[Respiratory insufficiency in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and methods of treatment]

Respiratory failure in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is caused by paralysis and paresis of the respiratory and glossopharyngeolaryngeal muscles obstructing and restricting ventilation of the lungs. Examination of the external respiratory function helps early diagnose the condition. Monitoring of vital capacity of the lungs and respiratory rate is the most informative method. Analyzing the problem of progressive respiratory failure, we cannot neglect its ethical, social, and financial aspects. Informed consent of patients, families, and sponsors to prolonged forced ventilation of the lungs is to be obtained before the condition progresses to critical.