Life+with+SMA+and+Treatment+Options

Treatment Options
There are many treatment options for children with SMA, but listed here will be only the three most common. The first most common treatment is called Palliative care. When parents choose this option, they decide to let their child's life play out as naturally as possible. Drugs and oxygen are often used to keep the child comfortable as their parents enjoy the time they have with the child before they pass away. In this treatment option, parents do not intervene in the child's condition.

Another common treatment option is a surgery called a tracheotomy. A hole is made in the throat of an individual that will allow them to breathe with the help of a permanant ventilator. This does not guarantee that the individual will live to adulthood, but it does not mean that they won't reach adulthood either. The life span of an individual who undergoes a tracheotomy is indefinate, but it is a different choice than choosing not to intervene, where the individual will most likely not live more than a year and a half.

Parents of children with SMA can also choose to use and NIV protocol. This method uses machines to help assist in breathing problems. This choice is different from a tracheotomy because it is not surgical. This option, like the other, is not a cure for SMA, and it does not guarantee a lengthened life span. This is a good choice for parents who want to intervene in their child's condition, but don't want to enter any sugical processes just yet. (SMA Treatment/Care Options)

Life with SMA
Life with individuals who have SMA is not something to be afraid of, but parents have to be very well educated on the proper living conditions for their children. There are many different suggested diets that can help strengthen and keep individuals with SMA as healthy as possible. Individuals with SMA will also most likely need special education that fits their learning needs, as well as safe, productive recreational activities. All these things can be discussed with doctors or other health officials. Online forums for parents who have children with SMA or parents support sites made by parents for parents can be surprisingly good sources for all kinds of information on SMA, including new treatment options, dietary suggestions, recreational ideas, and news otherwise on SMA that parents can easily relate to. The most important part of living with someone SMA is also the most important part of any family relationship; love. Love can help parents connect with their children who have SMA, and help them through the difficulties of living with the disease. Love from additional siblings is also very important; the best way to help someone who is disabled progress despite their disability is to provide them with a constructive, encouraging, and loving environment. (Daily Life Articles via fsa.org)