Myasthenia Gravis-An increasingly common problem among the aging

Myasthenia Gravis is becoming an increasingly common problem among the elderly population. Earlier, it was a disease that affected more of the young generation. However, medical practitioners come across more cases of Myasthenia Gravis in older people.

• Muscle weakness that worsens as the day progresses
• Difficulty in talking
• Unexplained fatigue
• Paralysis of the muscles of the face, causing changes in facial expression
• Development of ptosis, characterized by drooping eyelids
• Difficulty in chewing as well as swallowing food
• The limb and neck muscles are also affected, causing your elderly to waddle while walking.
• Blurred vision
• Shortness of breath

Steps to help your elderly deal with Myasthenia Gravis

• Allow your loved one to rest and prevent them from overusing their weakened muscles.
• Do not expose your loved one to extreme temperatures. Excessive heat or cold can worsen the condition.
• Preventing them from infections is one of the significant risk factors for Myasthenia Gravis. It is best to get them vaccinated against pneumonia and influenza.
• Patients with Myasthenia Gravis can be allergic to certain prescription medications. This can worsen their condition quickly. Therefore, it is always best to watch their body’s reaction to the prescribed medications.
• Keep them away from stress, which can also worsen the condition.
• Consult the doctor before giving them any over-the-counter drugs. For example, if your loved one suffers from a cough and cold, do not give them any OTC drugs. Common cough and cold medications contain quinine, which can adversely affect patients with Myasthenia Gravis.

• Avoid three large meals a day. Instead, give them small and frequent meals.
• Pay special attention to the temperature of the food. It should neither be too hot nor too cold. Serve them warm meals. Make sure you make them drink water in between.
• If you are serving them meat, then make sure you cook it well. This is because chewing becomes a difficulty for your elderly loved one. Also, break down into small pieces, making it easier for them to chew.
• Do not serve them spicy foods.
• Ask your elderly loved one to chew slowly and rest in between. Please do not allow them to overuse their jaw muscle; it can be dangerous.
• It may be difficult for your elderly to chew fruits and vegetables. Therefore, giving them fruit juices and adequately cooking the vegetables is best.
• Exercise is essential for your loved one. However, exerting their muscles too much would never be wise enough. Your loved one is prone to weight gain due to the medications for Myasthenia Gravis. And therefore a little exercise each day is necessary to keep their weight under control.
• There may be times when your elderly will not want help. In such conditions, respect their decision and take a back step. However, you must be vigilant and help whenever they cannot manage alone. Your loved ones should learn to accept help; however, there may be times when they are reluctant to do so.

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The post How To Effectively Help With Myasthenia Gravis In The Aging appeared first on The Caregiving Strategist.