Many individuals diagnosed with myasthenia gravis will tell you that symptoms flare up during the summer months. Heat can exacerbate symptoms, leaving you feeling extra weak and tired.
Here are a few tips to help you manage myasthenia gravis symptoms in hot weather. Please remember these are general suggestions and it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. What works for one person may not work for you.
- In hot weather, limit your outdoor activities to early morning or evening, when it’s cooler.
- Build in extra time for rest. Don’t overcommit and don’t overexert yourself.
- A cool vest can literally be a lifesaver when you’re out and about. Keep extra ice packs in a cooler in your car to easily swap them out. A small electric fan with a water mister is also effective at cooling you down.
- If you do feel too warm, a cool bath or shower has been shown to effectively reduce body temperature.
- With overflowing tables at the farmer’s market, summer is a great season for salad, which happens to be super hydrating. Lettuce and spinach have some of the highest water content of any veggies, along with toppings like cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, bell peppers, and celery. (Spinach is the real powerhouse here – it’s also high in calcium and potassium, which are important for those on corticosteroids.) Don’t forget a slice of watermelon or some fresh strawberries for dessert. You can also throw some of these ingredients in a smoothie if you’re having trouble chewing or swallowing.
- Because you may feel weaker in the summer heat, it’s a good time to invest in tools that can help you manage every-day tasks with less exertion. Upgrading to an electric can opener or investing in a stand to hold your blow dryer can help you out any time, but especially when life throws potential MG triggers (like the heat) in your way.
- Carry an emergency card in your wallet (download one here) or wear an alert bracelet identifying you as a person with myasthenia gravis. If you do go into MG crisis, it could save your life.
Remember, what works one day may not work the next. You may need to try several things to reduce your exposure to hot weather. If your symptoms persist or worsen, please consult with your healthcare provider.
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[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459311
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459311/
[3] https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/15-food-that-help-you-stay-hydrated
[4] https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/food-sources-potassium
[5] https://youtu.be/6yLpb1aWJeY?si=n88Z_ZcLm3wBkIf4&t=1410