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Real members of MGteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
Charleston, SC
September 10, 2025
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A MGteam Member

I take prednisone. My neurologist put me on Atovaquone its used to treat or prevent pneumonia caused by a fungal infection called Pneumocystis carinii (also called Pneumocystis jiroveci).
He added it as a preventive treatment.
You should consult your doctor about this if you are taking prednisone

September 10, 2025
A MGteam Member

I was using straws. I've stopped. I had started coughing and gagging.
Won't be using those straws anymore.

September 11, 2025
MGteam

People with myasthenia gravis are at higher risk of developing pneumonia due to weakness in muscles that control swallowing and breathing. When food or liquids accidentally enter the lungs instead of the stomach (aspiration), it can lead to bacterial pneumonia. Studies show that 16-41% of people with MG develop pneumonia at Show Full Answer

People with myasthenia gravis are at higher risk of developing pneumonia due to weakness in muscles that control swallowing and breathing. When food or liquids accidentally enter the lungs instead of the stomach (aspiration), it can lead to bacterial pneumonia. Studies show that 16-41% of people with MG develop pneumonia at some point.

Common signs of aspiration pneumonia include:
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Severe fatigue
• Chest pain
• Coughing up pus or blood
• Bad breath To help prevent pneumonia, try these important safety measures:
• Take small bites and chew thoroughly
• Use thickened liquids that are easier to swallow
• Always sit upright while eating
• Practice good oral hygiene to reduce bacteria
• Stay up to date on vaccinations, especially for respiratory infections
• Tell your doctor immediately if you notice food/liquid going down "the wrong way"

Regular checkups with your healthcare team are essential for monitoring your condition and adjusting management strategies as needed.

September 10, 2025
A MGteam Member

Yvette, your questions regarding recurring pneumonia and sepsis is very important.

The medications we take for MG, particularly steroids and various monoclonal antibodies, lower our immune system And can make us susceptible to dangerous illnesses

I also take atovaquone, as someone else noted, to minimize potential for certain strain of pneumonia. It has kept pneumonia away since I started taking this medication which is really an antimalarial vs a prophylactic antibiotic My first bout with covid near killed me over new years 2021 -2022, as I also had 2 forms of staph infection (1 form was the Spanish flu strain experienced in the early 1900's) and Community acquired pneumonia. It took 18 days of exceptional care at our local teaching hospital and a month and a half to get retrained to walk again. Avoiding illness is critical if we have multiple autoimmune diseases beyond MG, and depending on our medicine regime.

Regarding straws, the advice is the team is sharing is very important. The only okay way to use straws is to make bubbles in a cup ,(blowing air into a cup of water), as a diaphragm strengthening and voice improvement exercise. (I will share that in a separate post.)

September 29, 2025
A MGteam Member

I've never had neither but a couple years ago I was having serious trouble swallowing. Everytime idrank something I woud cough, throw up, choke or a combination of the two. My neuro sent me to have a swallow test. Idk what it's called anymore. I found out from that test, that I should not use straws anymore because they can cause asphyxiation and aspirations. That detritus fills your lungs and causes infections and pneumonia. Don't tell me twice. I stopped that day. it's hard enough to swallow w/o straws🙄
If you're using straws, STOP ✋🏾

September 10, 2025

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A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
Charleston, SC

A MGteam Member asked a question 💭
Charleston, SC