Which factor contributes to respiratory complications in muscular dystrophy?

• A. Regular exercise
• B. Weak cough and increased infection risk
• C. Obesity alone
• D. Early retirement

Answer: (B)

Weak cough and the resulting difficulty clearing secretions are central to why respiratory problems occur in muscular dystrophy. When the muscles used for breathing and coughing become weak, taking deep breaths and generating a strong expulsive cough becomes hard. Secretions accumulate in the airways, making infections like pneumonia more likely and can lead to reduced lung volumes and atelectasis over time. This combination—ineffective airway clearance plus higher infection risk—drives most respiratory complications in muscular dystrophy. While regular exercise can support overall health and obesity can worsen breathing in some situations, neither is the primary mechanism here, and early retirement doesn’t directly affect respiratory muscle function.