Chewing Difficulties in Myasthenia Gravis
Individuals living with myasthenia gravis often experience challenges with their chewing muscles as the day progresses. Unlike a person without this condition, their muscles tend to weaken at a faster rate during muscle use. This can significantly impact their ability to chew, particularly when consuming foods that require more effort, like steak. Many individuals with myasthenia gravis report a loss of chewing ability halfway through a meal.
Difficulty in the Act of Swallowing
Swallowing, a typically effortless and instinctive action, can become perilous when muscle weakness interferes with the process, increasing the risk of choking. Individuals with myasthenia gravis often find themselves expelling liquids through their nose instead of swallowing them. This difficulty in swallowing poses significant limitations on treatment options not only for myasthenia gravis but also for other concurrent medical conditions, as taking pills becomes a risky endeavor.