Patients suffering from PD, at an early asymptomatic stage, describe a variety of symptoms of varying severity related to the respiratory system, including: dyspnea, upper airway symptoms, or stridor. Little is known about the general pathogenesis of this condition, most of the problems detected in PD are believed to be directly caused by neurodegeneration and its consequences - namely a lack of proper motor control ( Torsney and Forsyth 2017). Pokusa, 2019. Respiratory Function and Dysfunction in Parkinson-Type Neurodegeneration . https://doi.org/10.33549/physiolres.934405
Pathological processes such as bradykinesia , discoordination , contraction and weakness of the inspiratory muscles lead to restrictive ventilation dysfunction. The frequency of restrictive respiratory dysfunction in PD patients varies from 28% to 94%, depending on homogeneity in the study, disease progression, or treatment with anti-Parkinson's drugs. Pokusa, 2019. Respiratory Function and Dysfunction in Parkinson-Type Neurodegeneration . https://doi.org/10.33549/physiolres.934405
Reduced vital capacity, which is the main sign of restrictive disorders. Restrictive disorders are less responsive to dopaminergic therapy. Studies on the impact of levodopa on types of respiratory problems vary widely due to variations in patient age, disease progression and duration, and variations in techniques for assessing respiratory complications (Weiner et al. 1978, Pal et al. 2007, Torsney and Forsyth 2017). Pokusa, 2019. Respiratory Function and Dysfunction in Parkinson-Type Neurodegeneration . https://doi.org/10.33549/physiolres.934405