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Real members of mySMAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has any parent's child with SMA have excessive secretions to the point it affects breathing, leading to suction and oxygen drops?

A mySMAteam Member asked a question 💭
Bassett, VA

My child is almost 12 weeks old ans has SMA Type 2A. She is on 4 liters of high-flow oxygen at 20%-45% and has excessive secretions and weak cough. I want to avoid a trach at all costs. If we can mange her secretions she can come off high-flow oxygen at which point we can bottle feed. What can I do for excessive secretions other than Atropine drops? I am lost and scared for my daughter.

March 28
 · 
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mySMAteam

How can excessive secretions be managed in a young child with SMA who has weak cough and breathing difficulties?

It's completely understandable to feel scared and overwhelmed. Managing secretions is crucial for breathing in children with SMA, and there are several approaches beyond medication that can help.

Chest Show Full Answer

How can excessive secretions be managed in a young child with SMA who has weak cough and breathing difficulties?

It's completely understandable to feel scared and overwhelmed. Managing secretions is crucial for breathing in children with SMA, and there are several approaches beyond medication that can help.

Chest Physiotherapy Options:

* Manual percussion - A caregiver gently claps or pats on specific areas of the chest or back while positioning your daughter to help loosen and drain secretions
* Vibrating devices that help move mucus
* High-frequency chest wall oscillation devices (like vests) that create "mini coughs" to shift mucus out of airways

Mechanical Assistance:

* Cough assist machines (insufflator-exsufflator devices) that use air pressure to simulate coughing and push mucus out
* Manual cough assistance where a caregiver applies gentle pressure to the chest or abdomen during coughs

Postural Drainage:

Positioning your daughter on an incline with her head lowered uses gravity to help mucus drain from the lungs naturally.

Your healthcare team, including respiratory therapists, can teach you these techniques properly. Many families find that combining several of these methods helps manage secretions effectively and may reduce the need for more invasive interventions.

Working closely with a pulmonologist who specializes in SMA is essential to find the right combination for your daughter's specific needs.

March 28

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