The condition is caused by a breakdown in
communication between nerves and muscles.
There are a few treatments available including
medications, therapy, and surgery can help, but
there is not yet a cure.
MG patients sometimes have a flare that is hard to
tell if the shortness of breath is due to anxiety or a
MG muscle weakness. Patients can do some simple
assessments to check respiratory function at home
but should not ignore these symptoms and seek help.
Signs that breathing function is worsening include:
Cannot count out loud past 20 after a full breath of
air.
Cannot lay flat in bed without feeling short of breath
or gasping for air.
Feeling restless, agitated, drowsy or confused.
Feeling too tired to keep breathing.
Having to pause in the middle of a sentence to take a breath.
Rapid shallow breathing (especially more than 25 breaths/
minute).
The chest wall moves inward instead of expanding when air is
inhaled.
The muscles between the ribs and around the neck pull in during
breathing.
Waking up frequently during the night gasping for air.
Weak cough, especially when mucus/saliva cannot be cleared
from the throat.
Your lungs are secondary and not the primary issue. Do not ignore
these signs or the general feeling of impending doom or that
something is wrong. Be sure to get to an emergency room quickly
during a flare and make sure they evaluate your diaphragm, intercostal
muscles and CO2 levels.