Word parts
What it means
The immune system attacks the receptors for acetylcholineuh-see-tul-KOH-leenA chemical messenger that nerves release to signal muscles, glands and other nerves.Full entry where nerves meet muscles. Muscles tire quickly and get weaker with use, then improve with rest. Eye muscles are often first, causing drooping eyelids and double vision; chewing, swallowing, speaking and breathing muscles can be affected. It is treated with cholinesterase inhibitors such as pyridostigmine, immune-suppressing drugs and sometimes removal of the thymus.
For the nurse
Give drugs exactly on time, and plan activities for when strength peaks after a dose. Watch swallowing and breathing closely: a myasthenic crisis can stop breathing. Many drugs, including some antibiotics such as levofloxacinlee-voh-FLOK-suh-sinA fluoroquinolone antibiotic, given by mouth or IV, used for lung, urinary and other bacterial infections.Full entry , can make it worse.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | MG |
|---|---|
| Spanish | miastenia grave |
Related terms
dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing.
immune system
The body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.
levofloxacin
A fluoroquinolone antibiotic, given by mouth or IV, used for lung, urinary and other bacterial infections.
acetylcholine
A chemical messenger that nerves release to signal muscles, glands and other nerves.