heat exposure can make myasthenia gravis worse. People with myasthenia gravis should avoid hot weather and heat exposure as much as possible. In hot weather, they should stay in air-conditioned buildings or cool, shady areas. They should also drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Heat exposure can cause muscle weakness and fatigue, which can make symptoms of myasthenia gravis worse. People with myasthenia gravis should avoid strenuous activity in hot weather. They should also dress in cool, loose-fitting clothes and use a fan or air conditioner to stay cool.
People with myasthenia gravis are also at risk for heat stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, hot, red, dry skin, a fast pulse, headache, dizziness, and nausea. If you experience these symptoms, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.
How does heat make myasthenia gravis worse?
Heat exposure can make the muscle weakness and fatigue of myasthenia gravis (MG) worse. This is because heat makes it harder for the nerve endings to communicate with the muscles. The hot weather can also worsen other MG symptoms such as shortness of breath and blurred vision. People with MG should avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, and they should stay cool by wearing loose clothing and staying in air-conditioned environments. Heat exposure can also trigger an MG flare-up, which is a sudden worsening of symptoms. If you have MG, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to manage your symptoms in hot weather.
What should I do if I think I'm having a heat-related myasthenia gravis flare-up?
If you’re having a heat-related myasthenia gravis flare-up, there are a few things you can do to ease your symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to avoid dehydration. Keep cool by putting ice packs on your neck or chest, or taking a cool bath or shower. Take breaks often and stay in air-conditioned areas as much as possible. Avoid hot, humid weather and direct sunlight. If you must be outdoors, wear loose, cool clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Use fans to keep cool, and don’t strenuously exercise in hot weather.
If your symptoms are severe, call your doctor. You may need to be seen in the hospital for treatment. In the meantime, take your medication as prescribed, and rest as much as possible. Heat-related myasthenia gravis flare-ups can be uncomfortable, but with proper management, they can be safely managed.
How can I treat heat-related myasthenia gravis?
There are many different ways to treat heat-related myasthenia gravis, and the best course of treatment may vary depending on the individual case. However, some general tips on how to treat this condition include avoiding exposure to excessive heat, ensuring that the affected individual stays hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activity. If the individual does experience a flare-up of symptoms, corticosteroids may be used to help reduce inflammation and improve muscle strength. In some cases, medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors may also be used to help improve muscle function. Physical therapy can also be beneficial in helping to improve muscle strength and function.
How can I help a friend or family member with heat-related myasthenia gravis?
Most people with myasthenia gravis (MG) have a heat-related problem with their disease. For example, they may find that their symptoms get worse in hot weather, or after spending time in a hot tub or sauna. They may also have difficulty tolerating hot food or beverages.
There are several things you can do to help a friend or family member with MG cope with the heat:
-Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated.
-Make sure they have a cool place to rest and relax, out of the sun and heat.
-Avoid strenuous activity during hot weather, and encourage them to take breaks often to rest in a cool, comfortable place.
-Monitor their symptoms closely, and if they seem to be worsening, seek medical attention immediately.
With a little help and careful planning, people with MG can still enjoy warm weather and activities during the summer months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hot weather cause myasthenia gravis?
There is no definitive answer. Some research indicates that there may be a link between myasthenia gravis and hot weather, but there is no evidence that hot weather itself causes the condition.3,4
What makes myasthenia gravis worse?
Excessive amounts of waste material, such as mucus, saliva, or blood, in your bloodstream. What factors might make MG worse? triggering MG weakness can be the result of: Some medications may worsen MG and should not be taken if you have the disease. Other things that can trigger MG weakness include*: Weakness that lasts for weeks or longer after a viral illness is over. a lab test showing high levels of antibodies to cartilage proteins (anti-Cat-1).
Why do my mg symptoms get worse in hot weather?
There is some speculation that high levels of heat can worsen the muscle stiffness, weakness and fatigue associated with myasthenia gravis. Muscle cells in the body are less able to use oxygen and nutrients when it’s hotter than usual. This makes muscles fatigue more quickly and can lead to a worsening of MG symptoms.
How does heat and hot weather trigger my myelofibrosis?
It is not fully understood, but heat and hot weather may trigger MG by increasing the risk of infection. In people with MG, damage to the bone can lead to an increased risk for infections including respiratory tract infections, bloodstream infections, and infections of the lymph nodes. Increases in inflammation or infection in the body can further increase the burden on the weakened immune system and push MGprogressing faster.
What is the deleterious effect of heat on myasthenia gravis?
The deleterious effect of heat on myasthenia gravis is well established.1-4In most patients, an elevation in total body or regional temperature from exposure to heat in the environment produces an increase in weakness that is usually benign in nature. However, in some patients, this increase can be more pronounced, leading to a clinically significant disorder called thermal necrosis. In such cases, the affected muscles may become so weak that they cannot be used even if they are completely unrestrained and soft. Therapeutic intervention with appropriate cooling can prevent necrosis and sometimes restore function.
