Polymyositis
Polymyositis is a disease caused by inflammation of the muscles. This occurs when white blood cells, the immune cells of inflammation, begin to invade the muscle tissue. The muscles most severely affected are typically those closest to the trunk or torso. This results in weakness that can be severe.
Polymyositis (PM) is found mostly in people over the age of 20 and affects more women than men. Muscle weakness usually happens over days, weeks, or months. The weakness begins with muscles closest to and within the trunk of the body, such as the muscles of the neck, hips, back, and shoulders. Some patients also feel weakness in muscles farther from the trunk, such as hands and fingers. Some PM patients may also experience muscle pain, breathing problems, and trouble swallowing.
Risk Group
The incidence of polymyositis increases with age, with the highest rates being seen in the 35-44 and 55-64 year old age groups. Women are two times more likely to suffer from polymyositis than men.
Symptoms
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Marked weakness in the muscles closest to the center of the body, like the forearms, thighs, hips, shoulders, neck, and back
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Sometimes, weakness in the fingers and toes
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Falling and difficulty getting up from a fall
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Chronic dry cough
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Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
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Diagnostic Tests
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Your doctor will ask for a complete medical history and will perform a thorough physical examination.
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Blood work will be obtained.
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Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction tests may be performed.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of affected muscle may be requested.
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r the doctor sees you and reviews the results of your testing, a muscle biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis of polymyositis. This is a minor procedure that can be performed by a doctor.
Treatment
If you have polymyositis, your doctor will most likely prescribe medications that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids. Frequently, more than one medication will be prescribed to treat your disease. If you have lung problems, you will also see a pulmonologist.
Exercise and physical therapy are important parts of standard myositis treatment plans. Physical exercise has been shown to reduce inflammation, reduce fatigue, increase stamina, and build muscle, even in patients with myositis. Indeed, exercise is currently the only treatment recommendation for patients with inclusion body myositis.
There is a strong association between aerobic capacity and general health, both in healthy individuals and those with myositis. Regular physical activity and exercise can improve one’s quality of life and reduce the risk of serious chronic diseases, such as type II diabetes, osteoporosis, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. These are all complications of myositis diseases or their treatment, so exercise is doubly important.
Copyright © 2018 Johns Hopkins Myositis Center