Can Becker muscular dystrophy be prevented?

Can Becker muscular dystrophy be prevented?

There is no known cure for BMD, or treatment to stop the muscles from weakening. The goal of treatment is to keep muscles as strong as possible to allow a child to function independently. Your healthcare provider may advise genetic counseling. You can discuss with a counselor the risk of BMD in a future pregnancy.

What is Becker muscular dystrophy caused by?

Becker muscular dystrophy is caused by a genetic problem in producing dystrophin, a protein that protects muscle fibers from breaking down when exposed to enzymes. People with Becker muscular dystrophy produce more dystrophin than those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Is Becker muscular dystrophy hereditary?

Becker muscular dystrophy follows x-linked recessive inheritance so it mostly affects males, but some females are affected. Becker muscular dystrophy usually begins in the teens or early twenties and symptoms vary greatly between affected individuals.

What is the treatment for Becker muscular dystrophy?

Treatments can include steroid medications to maintain muscle strength as long as possible; stretching and other exercises specifically designed for people with muscular dystrophy; braces and splints; assistive devices such as wheelchairs, computer technology, and lifting devices to help people with DBMD continue their …

Can girls have Becker muscular dystrophy?

Girls can also have symptoms, but in general they are less severe than in boys. Both boys and girls with a Becker MD gene can have heart problems.

What happens in Becker muscular dystrophy?

In Becker MD, muscles weaken because dystrophin (dis-TRO-fin), a protein made by muscle cells, doesn’t work as it should. A change in the dystrophin gene makes the protein too short. The flawed dystrophin puts muscle cells at risk for damage with normal use.

What are the symptoms of Becker?

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Becker Muscular Dystrophy?

  • have more difficulty with sports.
  • have trouble climbing stairs.
  • not be able to walk quickly, run smoothly, or maintain a running pace.
  • have trouble lifting heavy loads.
  • have calf muscles that look bigger than normal, even though they’re weaker.

Does Becker muscular dystrophy cause pain?

Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy patients don’t tend to suffer from pain from their condition or loss of sensations, but they may experience cramps and general aching which can be treated with over-the-counter medications.

How is muscular dystrophy prevented?

How can I prevent muscular dystrophy?

  1. Eat a healthy diet to prevent malnutrition.
  2. Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and constipation.
  3. Exercise as much as possible.
  4. Maintain a healthy weight to prevent obesity.
  5. Quit smoking to protect your lungs and heart.
  6. Get flu and pneumonia vaccines.