What options are available for prolonging life in cases of ALS?

Life with ALS is limited by two sets of symptoms: severe swallowing difficulties (and associated malnutrition) and impaired respiratory function (respiratory weakness or airway narrowing). For both of these life-limiting symptoms (swallowing difficulties and respiratory dysfunction), treatment options are available that can prolong life.

In cases of severe swallowing disorders, a feeding tube (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, PEG) may be used to ensure adequate nutrition (usually in addition to regular food intake). Ventilation therapy (mask ventilation, a cough assist device, or invasive ventilation) can help overcome respiratory failure or airway narrowing and prolong life.