Just after her recent stunning runway walk for the “Bench Body of Work” fashion show, Sunshine Cruz reveals how she was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. 

“It’s been a real roller coaster these past months,” shares the actress through an Instagram post. “I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called myasthenia gravis, which has made building muscle a real struggle. But I'm so thankful for the strength I've found.” 

Among other notable figures, former President Rodrigo Duterte once claimed in 2019, during an appearance for the Filipino community in Russia, that he also suffers from the same disease. He mentioned how his grandfather also had the same illness. 

What is myasthenia gravis?

According to the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Myasthenia gravis is a chronic neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles.” Affected muscles include those that connect to a person’s bones, as well as, “muscles in the face, throat, and diaphragm.” Common symptoms include blurred vision, changes in facial expressions, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, impaired speech, and weakness felt throughout various parts of the body. Since weakness of the body can often be associated with different illnesses, it can be difficult to pinpoint if someone has myasthenia gravis.

What causes myasthenia gravis?

Based on data provided by the National Health Service, myasthenia gravis is “caused by a problem with the signals sent between the nerves and muscles.” As an autoimmune disease, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of the body. It can occur at any age but commonly impacted groups include women under 40 and men above 60. It is not inherited or contagious. 

How do you treat myasthenia gravis?

Though there is currently no known cure, there are available treatments to alleviate some of the pains caused by the disease. Regular gentle exercise, paired with prescribed medications, is often suggested for those that have been diagnosed. Some devices are also designed to assist in mobility.