Identifying 5 key triggers has helped me better manage flare-ups

This spring has been brutal. The allergy season hit me harder than ever, and it felt like my body was being torn apart from the inside. I always wonder if other people with myasthenia gravis (MG) experience the same kind of flare-up triggers as I do.

Last week, I woke up feeling like I had a fever deep inside my body. My neck couldn’t hold my head upright, and I felt strange neurological pain radiating from my spine. Naturally, I panicked and went to a general doctor. He ran all the basic checks and told me, “Everything looks fine.”

But it wasn’t. I spent the next three days in bed, sleeping nonstop. I only got up to eat and use the bathroom. I thought I had COVID-19, because it felt exactly like that, with sore muscles, complete exhaustion, and strong diarrhea. (I know, not glamorous at all. Sorry.)

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Eventually, I realized it might be a new kind of flare-up, so I called my physiotherapist. She worked her magic with a combination of massage and electrostimulation, which helped me get back on my feet — literally. I managed to walk to the hospital where my neurologist works. After an evaluation, she confirmed it was indeed a flare-up.

Then she asked me the golden question: “What usually triggers your flare-ups?”

My simple answer was, “Anything different.”

But I’ve been living with MG for over six years now, and I think it’s time I actually list my main flare-up triggers, along with the little tricks I’ve picked up along the way to deal with them.

1. My period

A week before my period starts, I get hit with both PMS and, sometimes, a full-blown MG flare. The worst symptom? Air hunger. I often need oxygen sessions just to get through the day.

My tip: Prepare. I try to work from home and stick to low-stress, routine tasks. I avoid surprises. When I have the energy, I clean my space and prep easy meals. Diet helps, too — cutting back on sugar and dairy before my period arrives eases my symptoms, though lately I’ve been too tired to cook. If I have the budget, I’ll schedule a massage or spa visit, which works wonders on my sore muscles.

2. Allergies

This one took me by surprise. I’ve always had respiratory allergies — pollen, mold, dust, even cockroaches — but I didn’t realize how badly they could trigger MG symptoms until this spring.

The only workable solution was seeing an allergy specialist. The prescribed allergy medications didn’t interfere with my MG, and they made a huge difference.

3. Stress

For a long time, I hated it when doctors said stress could trigger MG symptoms. It felt like they were saying it was all in my head, which is not the case. MG is real. It’s physical. It doesn’t care how calm or anxious you are, I thought.

But I’ve come to realize that, yes, stress affects my body. When I work too hard or take on too much emotional pressure, I start to lose control. Muscle pain kicks in. I feel like I can’t breathe.

Now I practice breathing exercises every morning. I take five minutes to slow down and become aware of my breath. It helps me pace myself during the day and reminds me to take breaks.

4. Diet

Every time I fall into the fast-food trap, I pay for it. Heavily processed foods make me feel bloated, tired, and foggy. I haven’t mastered this one yet. My only solution is to try to cook when I can or find affordable, healthier meal prep options.

5. Cold (and colds)

Cold weather is my sworn enemy, and so are the colds that come with it. I try not to leave the house on rainy days, and I always wear a mask when I know someone around me is sick. It’s the simplest way to protect myself from unnecessary flare-ups.

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Maybe I haven’t figured out the perfect way to control my flare-ups yet. But I’m learning. I’m adapting. And I’m committed to keeping my MG in check so I can build the kind of “normal” lifestyle I deserve.

Even if MG wants to throw surprises my way, I know now that every flare-up can teach me something. And with each new trigger I learn to manage, I’m one step closer to a balanced life.

Note: Myasthenia Gravis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Myasthenia Gravis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to myasthenia gravis.