Respiratory Disorders

Children with CP are at increased risk for respiratory illnesses. Impaired control of respiratory muscles, inef­fective cough, and aspiration due to an impaired swal­low; gastroesophageal reflux; or seizures all increase the risk for chronically increased airway secretions. Increased airway secretions may lead to wheezing, atelectasis, recurrent aspiration pneumonia, restrictive lung disease, or bronchiectasis. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia in an infant born prematurely will also increase the risk for respiratory disorders.