Myositis

What is Myositis?

Myositis is defined as aggravation or intensification of body muscles. The inflammation of muscles is caused due to infection, injury or illness, side-effect of medicines, a chronic disease, or an exaggerated exercise routine. The most common indications of the onset of this disease are weakness, and swelling and pain in muscles. The Myositis types include dermatomyositis, inclusion body myositis, juvenile myositis, and polymyositis. All of the above are referred to as inflammatory myopathies.


Myositis is curable, but not much information or advancement have been done in this regard. Also, the medicines available are not much effective. Toxic myopathies are medicines that cause muscle inflammation and damage. In majority of cases, muscle recover quickly once the medicine is discontinued.

Symptoms

The most prominent symptom of the disease is muscle weakness. Other important symptoms might include:

  • People having trouble rising from the chair.
  • Difficulty performing actions like climbing stairs, raising arms, and drenched out after standing or walking for a longer period.
  • Trouble swallowing or heavy breathing.
  • Muscle pain and stiffness that does not improve or subside on its own.
  • Weight loss.
  • Skin rash.
  • Fever.

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Causes

Any condition or factor that leads to inflammation in muscles can cause myositis. The main causes of this disease include:

  • Inflammatory conditions.
  • Infection.
  • Drugs.
  • Injury.
  • Rhabdomyolysis.

 

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Risks

The main risk factors of this disease include:

  • Inflammation.
  • Weakness.
  • Swelling.

 

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Prevention

In order to prevent the occurrence of this disease, one should take care of the following:

  • Keeping the skin clean.
  • Never taking drugs.
  • Taking the prescription drugs properly.
  • Using a washed towel every time.

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How is it diagnosed?

At Medanta, our doctor performs a combination of various tests to establish accurate diagnosis and correct treatment.

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How is it treated?

Typically, treatment begins with a high dosage of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Though myositis is not curable, but early diagnosis and treatment can help control symptoms to an extent. The symptoms of the disease vary from person to per..

  • Intravenous immunoglobulin drugs

     Use of drugs like azathioprine and methotrexate prove beneficial. Doctors may also recommend supplements that help support muscle strength. Self-care involves taking a proactive part in the treatment along with positivity.

  • Physiotherapy and regular exercise

    This exercise routine can further elevate muscle strength and overcome myositis. Exercise does help and keep muscles flexible and strong, and reduce deformities.

When do I contact the doctor?

You should immediately consult a doctor, when you begin to face symptoms like weight loss, skin rash, fever, trouble swallowing, and problems while breathing. All these symptoms are going to be treated just right with the help of our medical expertise at Medanta. 

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