Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, chronic, multi-system disease affecting various bodily systems. In severe cases, individuals with ME/CFS may experience respiratory dysfunction to the point where ventilatory support becomes a medical necessity. The requirement for assisted breathing underscores the profound impact the illness can have on basic physiological functions.
The potential need for ventilatory assistance highlights the severity and debilitating nature of ME/CFS in its most extreme presentations. Addressing respiratory compromise in these patients is crucial for managing acute crises and potentially improving long-term outcomes. Historically, recognition of this specific need has lagged behind other areas of ME/CFS research and treatment, leading to a call for more comprehensive and specialized care strategies.
