A pulmonologist diagnoses and treats respiratory impairment. Pulmonologists specialize in breathing issues and diseases of the lungs and airways. CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness is a form of respiratory impairment that carries specific diagnostic and treatment challenges. Because of this, someone with CMT who develops breathing muscle weakness is best served by a neuromuscular pulmonologist.
A neuromuscular pulmonologist is a pulmonologist who focuses on respiratory impairment caused by neuromuscular diseases. Although neuromuscular pulmonology is not a formally certified subspecialty, these physicians have the training, experience, and clinical skill to recognize and treat the nuances of CMT-related respiratory muscle weakness. These nuances differ from the patterns seen in lung diseases like COPD, and managing them well requires a doctor familiar with neuromuscular breathing physiology.
How Do I Find a Neuromuscular Pulmonologist?
Finding a neuromuscular pulmonologist can sometimes be challenging. Clinics that specialize in neuromuscular disease and offer pulmonology services are ideal. Several CMTA Centers of Excellence provide pulmonology or respiratory therapy services, including:
- Cedars-Sinai (Los Angeles)
- University of Colorado (Aurora)
- Nemours Children’s Hospital (Orlando)
- University of Florida (Gainesville)
- Rush University (Chicago)
- HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital (O’Fallon, IL)
- Atrium Health Neurosciences Institute (Charlotte)
- University of Utah (Salt Lake City)
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) also provides care for people with CMT, and pulmonology services are available at all MDA clinic locations. Many university health systems have pulmonologists with neuromuscular expertise, making them another strong starting point for care.
When a neuromuscular pulmonologist is not available, a pulmonologist who understands that neuromuscular diseases can present diagnostic and treatment challenges not seen in other respiratory conditions can still be an invaluable member of the care team. Someone who has CMT can develop any respiratory disease that anyone else can. It is essential that all other causes of breathing symptoms are carefully ruled out before diagnosing the cause as CMT.
