From the Research
Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy generally does not directly affect pulmonary function, but it can have indirect effects on breathing in severe or advanced cases, particularly if the neuropathy spreads to affect the phrenic nerve or intercostal nerves. Peripheral neuropathy primarily impacts the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, affecting sensation, movement, and function in the extremities, while the respiratory system is controlled by different neural pathways. However, studies have shown that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and peripheral neuropathy have poorer exercise capacity and quality of life compared to those without neuropathy 1.
The relationship between peripheral neuropathy and pulmonary function is complex, and the severity of the peripheral nervous system involvement in COPD patients was correlated with hypercapnia, the degree of disability, and thus with the severity of COPD 2. Additionally, the presence of peripheral neuropathy in COPD patients has been associated with lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and peak oxygen uptake (PeakVO2) 1.
It is essential to monitor patients with severe neuropathy for any signs of respiratory compromise, such as shortness of breath, decreased exercise tolerance, or sleep-disordered breathing. If respiratory symptoms develop in a patient with peripheral neuropathy, prompt medical evaluation is warranted to determine if there is involvement of respiratory muscles or if another condition is responsible for the symptoms. A study on respiratory muscle weakness in peripheral neuropathies found that diaphragmatic weakness is not common in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and extremely rare in multifocal motor neuropathy, but it can occur in certain subtypes of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 3.
In summary, while idiopathic peripheral neuropathy does not directly affect pulmonary function, it can have indirect effects on breathing in severe or advanced cases, and patients with COPD and peripheral neuropathy may have poorer exercise capacity and quality of life. Therefore, monitoring and prompt medical evaluation are crucial for patients with severe neuropathy and respiratory symptoms.