Polymyositis: definition, causes, symptoms, and treatment & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is polymyositis?

Polymyositis is an inflammation that causes muscle weakness and increased levels of bone muscle enzymes. Polymyositis can make it difficult for sufferers to climb stairs, get up from a sitting position, lift objects, or reach objects above.

Similar to polymyositis, dermatomyositis is an idiopathic inflammation of myopathy, which is associated with dermatological manifestations. Inclusion body myositis is a slowly developing idiopathic inflammation of myopathy with a common pathological finding in older men.

How common is polymyositis?

Polymyositis most commonly affects adults in their 30s, 40s or 50s. This condition is more common in black people than white people, and women are affected more often than men. Polymyositis signs and symptoms usually appear gradually, over weeks or months.

However, this condition can be treated by reducing the risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of polymyositis?

The muscle weakness associated with polymositis involves muscles close to the body, such as in the hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms and neck.

Weakness affects both sides of the body, and tends to get worse gradually.

When should I see a doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes polymyositis?

The exact cause of polymyositis is unknown, but it has many characteristics similar to autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system mistakes your body's tissues.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for polymyositis?

There are many risk factors for polymyositis, namely:

Elderly
Woman
African-American race
Interstitial lung disease
The presence of anti-Jo-1 (lung disease) and anti-SRP antibodies (serious muscle disease, heart involvement)
Associated malignant conditions
Delayed or insufficient treatment
Dysphagia, dysphonia
Heart and lung involvement

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is polymyositis diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects you have polymyositis, he or she may order the following tests

Blood test

Blood tests can tell your doctor if you have elevated levels of muscle enzymes, such as creatine kinase (CK) and aldolase. Increased levels of CK and aldolase can indicate muscle damage. Blood tests can also detect certain autoantibodies with various symptoms of polymyositis, which can determine the most appropriate treatment and treatment.

Electromyography

The specialist inserts a thin electrode needle into the muscle through the skin for testing. Electrical activity is measured when you relax or tighten a muscle, and changes in electrical activity patterns can confirm muscle disease. The doctor can determine the distribution of the disease by testing various muscles.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

The scanner produces cross-sectional images of muscles from data generated by strong magnetic fields and radio waves. Unlike a muscle biopsy, an MRI can look at inflammation of a large area or muscle.

Muscle biopsy

Small sections of muscle tissue are surgically removed for laboratory analysis. A muscle biopsy can show abnormalities in the muscles, such as inflammation, damage or infection. Tissue samples can also be checked for abnormal protein and enzyme deficiencies. In polymyositis, muscle biopsy generally shows inflammation, dead muscle cells (necrosis) and degeneration and regeneration of muscle fibers.

What are the treatments for polymyositis?

While there is no definite cure for polymyositis, treatment can improve muscle strength and function. The earlier the treatment is done, the more effective the treatment will be - leading to a lesser number of complications.

However, with so many conditions, there is no one best way. Based on your symptoms and how you respond to therapy, your doctor will adjust your treatment strategy.

Drugs

Some of the drugs commonly used to treat polymyositis include:

Corticosteroids

Medicines such as prednisone can be very effective in controlling polymyositis symptoms. However, long-term use of this drug can have serious side effects, wherein doctors can reduce the dose of the drug gradually.

Corticosteroid-sparing agent

When used in combination with corticosteroids, they can reduce the dose and potential side effects of corticosteroids. The 2 most common drugs used for polymyositis are azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran) and methotrexate (Trexall).

Rituximab (Rituxan)

Commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, rituximab is an option if initial therapy does not adequately control polymyositis symptoms.

Therapy

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may suggest:

Physical therapy

The therapist can show you exercises to maintain and increase strength and flexibility and suggest an appropriate level of activity.

Talk therapy

If your swallowing muscles are weakened by polymyositis, talk therapy can help you adjust to these changes.

Dietary assessment

In the advanced stages of polymyositis, chewing and swallowing can become more difficult. A nutritionist can teach you how to prepare foods that are easy to eat.

Other operations and procedures

Intraveneous immunoglobin (IVIg) is a blood purification product that contains healthy antibodies from thousands of blood donors. These healthy antibodies can inhibit the damaging antibodies that attack muscles in polymyositis. Given as an intravenous infusion, IVIg treatment is expensive and needs to be repeated regularly for the effects to continue.