It may have a greater survival benefit for those with bulbar-onset ALS. It may work by decreasing release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate from pre-synaptic neurons. The most common side effects are nausea and a lack of energy (asthenia). People with ALS should begin treatment with riluzole as soon as possible following their diagnosis.Edaravone has been shown to modestly slow the decline in function in a small group of people with early-stage ALS. It may work by protecting motor neurons from oxidative stress. The most common side effects are bruising and gait disturbance. Treatment with edaravone is expensive and requires daily hour-long IV infusions for 10 days in a two-week period.Other medications may be used to help reduce fatigue, ease muscle cramps, control spasticity, and reduce excess saliva and phlegm. Gabapentin, pregabalin, and tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) can be used for neuropathic pain, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and opioids can be used for nociceptive pain.Depression can be treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants, while benzodiazepines can be used for anxiety. There are no medications to treat cognitive impairment/frontotemporal dementia (FTD); however, SSRIs and antipsychotics can help treat some of the symptoms of FTD. Baclofen and tizanidine are the most commonly used oral drugs for treating spasticity; an intrathecal baclofen pump can be used for severe spasticity.
Secondary airway malacia was defined as airway malacia secondary to esophageal atresia, VATER/VACTERL association (condition with vertebral anomalies, anal atresia, congenital heart disease, tracheoesophageal fistula or esophageal atresia, renourinary anomalies, or radial limb defects), vascular or other external compression of the airways, or specific syndromes. Treatment
Time
Minimally Invasive, usually in conjunction with Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure. Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure
A method of respiratory ventilation. Tracheotomy
Surgical procedures on the neck to open a direct airway through an incision in the trachea (the windpipe). Prosthesis
Insertion of a prosthesis to keep the bronchial tube open. Notes
References
Carden, KA, Boiselle, PM, Waltz, DA, et al. (2005) Tracheomalacia and tracheobronchomalacia in children and adults: an in-depth review. Chest 127,984-1005. Clements, B Congenital malformations of the lungs and airways. Taussig, LM Landau, LI eds. Pediatric respiratory medicine 1999,1106-1136 Mosby. St. Louis, MO
Austin, J, Ali, T Tracheomalacia and Bronchomalacia in children: pathophysiology, assessment, treatment and anaesthesia management. Paediatr Anaesth 2003;13,3-11
McNamara, VM, Crabbe, DC Tracheomalacia. Paediatr Respir Rev 2004;5,147-154
Benjamin, B Tracheomalacia in infants and children. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1984;93,438-442


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