Factors That Worsen MG
Some factors can make myasthenia worse:
- Fatigue, insufficient sleep
- Stress, anxiety
- Illness
- Overexertion, repetitive motion
- Pain
- Sudden fear, extreme anger
- Depression
- Extreme temperatures (hot or cold weather, hot showers or baths, sunbathing, saunas, hot tubs)
- Humidity
- Sunlight or bright lights (affects eyes)
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- Hot foods or beverages (affects mouth and throat)
- Some medications, including beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and some antibiotics
- Alcoholic beverages
- Quinine or tonic water
- Low potassium levels or low thyroid levels
- Some chemicals, including some household cleaners, insecticides and pet flea sprays
- Exposure to chemical lawn treatments
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Infections and respiratory illnesses can produce increased weakness that lasts for a while after the illness is gone. The stress of surgery can make MG temporarily worse. The disease may intensify during certain times of a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Click here for a list of drugs (compiled by the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy), that can make your MG worse. And be sure to check with your primary MG doctor before taking any new medication, even over-the-counter drugs.
This information was abstracted from Conquer newsletter (11/1989), published by MGF of Illinois.
Reviewed by the MGF of Illinois Medical Advisory Board, September 2008.
Unless otherwise stated, the information provided here is of a general nature, composed by non-medical personnel. It is meant to be accurate and helpful advice for MG patients. It is not intended to be medical opinion, nor is it a substitute for personal professional medical care.