Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune health condition involving a gap in communication between muscles and nerves. Consequently, the skeletal muscles weaken over time, causing severe muscle fatigue. Although no permanent cure exists for myasthenia gravis, different interventions can help control its symptoms and enhance patients’ overall quality of life. The disease is particularly prevalent among women under 40 and men over 60. Here’s everything to know about this condition:
Myasthenia gravis causes
Here are a few common causes of the condition:
- Abnormal enlargement of the thymus gland
The thymus gland is a gland situated in the upper chest region, below one’s breastbone. This gland regulates the secretion of antibodies blocking acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that regulates various physiological and psychological functions. Although it is normal for this gland to be enlarged in infants, it should be small in average adults. However, an enlarged thymus gland is associated with developing myasthenia gravis. Some individuals with this condition may also have thymus gland tumors. - Production of abnormal antibodies
Myasthenia gravis is linked to the production of antibodies that destroy the receptor sites regulating the secretion of acetylcholine. As a result, the muscles do not receive optimal nerve signals, resulting in muscular fatigue. The body may also produce antibodies that prevent tyrosine kinase, a muscle-specific receptor, from performing its primary function of developing nerve and muscle connections. Such antibodies lead to the development of myasthenia gravis. - Inheritance from mother to child
In certain rare conditions, mothers with myasthenia gravis may give birth to children with this condition. This form of myasthenia gravis is referred to as neonatal myasthenia gravis. Infants with this condition typically recover within two months with timely diagnosis and treatment.
Signs and symptoms of myasthenia gravis
Here are a few signs and symptoms to look out for:
- Eye problems
Several individuals grappling with myasthenia gravis suffer from eye problems, including drooping of the eyelids (known as ptosis) and double vision, or diplopia. Moreover, the issue of double vision is temporarily resolved when the patient closes one eye. - Speech impairment
Patients with myasthenia gravis may sound nasal or extremely soft. The speech impairment may differ among patients based on the muscles that the disease has affected. - Problems with swallowing and chewing
Myasthenia gravis significantly affects the muscles involved in swallowing and chewing. Thus, patients with the condition may experience choking or fatigue due to chewing. - Weakness in muscles
This condition severely impacts the neck, arm, and leg muscles. Depending on the muscle affected, patients may face challenges in daily activities like walking, holding their heads upright, and breathing. - Changes in facial expressions
The muscle problems involved in myasthenia gravis may cause changes in one’s facial expressions, due to which expressions may appear different from what was intended.
Nutrition tips for patients with myasthenia gravis
Here are a few nutrition tips for patients with this condition:
- Avoid processed foods
Patients with myasthenia gravis should avoid inflammatory foods that are difficult to digest. Processed foods contain high levels of saturated fat, which can increase a patient’s complications. Therefore, replacing such foods with healthy carbohydrate and fat sources is best. - Steer clear of sugary treats
High blood sugar levels can activate the immune cells linked to the worsening of myasthenia gravis. Thus, patients with the condition should limit or avoid added sugar, replacing it with natural sugar sources like fruits and fresh fruit juices. - Have foods rich in potassium
Myasthenia gravis is associated with considerable muscle fatigue, which can deplete one’s energy levels and lead to severe exhaustion. Consequently, it is recommended that patients with myasthenia gravis have foods rich in potassium, such as apricots, tomatoes, broccoli, and bananas, which can help reduce their fatigue levels. - Avoid foods that are hard to chew
Many patients with myasthenia gravis find it challenging to chew, experiencing fatigue in the muscles involved in this activity. Thus, patients should avoid tough meats and chips, which are hard to chew, and stick to soft, nutritious alternatives like rolled oats, cooked grains, and lentils.
Today, several effective treatment options have emerged to regulate the symptoms of myasthenia gravis. Besides following the prescribed treatment course, taking adequate rest and avoiding overexertion are crucial for patients healing from the condition.
