The condition may be made worse by the additional presence of Restrictive Lung Disease or neurologic problems affecting the activity of the muscles in the breathing system. Our study of infants and children with achondroplasia found this to be a common problem, but few children were severely affected. It is present in a large number of older children and adults with achondroplasia and is made worse by being overweight. Sometimes, removing tonsils and adenoids helps, since it makes more space available in the throat. Other times, more drastic therapy is required.
Treatment is dependent an the severity of symptoms.
Obstructive Upper Airway Disease occurs in many short stature conditions and should be looked for anytime a person has the symptoms. Breathing problems due to problems in the nervous system are less common, but may mimic other respiratory problems and therefore deserve mention here. In achondroplasia, the opening of the bottom of the skull is very tight, adding to this possibility. Neurologic symptoms such as weakness or abnormal coordination may or may not be present. Respiratory symptoms of compression of the medulla and spinal cord include weak breathing movements or apneic spells as well as a worsening of an otherwise mild case of Obstructive or Restrictive problems.