Many people who develop polymyositis complain of shortness of breath and find it difficult to carry on normal daily activities, such as climbing stairs or rising from a chair. Polymyositis occurs when the muscles become inflamed. Polymyositis not only saps you of energy, but leaves you feeling weak, with tender joints and other symptoms.
Polymyositis
Polymyositis affects skeletal muscles on both sides of the body, usually affected adults between 31 and 60 years old. People with polymyositis may also experience arthritis, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing and speaking and heart arrhythmias. Treatment options include medication, exercise, heat therapy, physical therapy, orthotics and assistive devices and rest.
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Donna Hill Howes, RN , Family Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersPolymyositis is one of a group of muscle diseases known as inflammatory myopathies, which are characterized by chronic muscle inflammation accompanied by muscle weakness. Polymyositis affects skeletal muscles (those involved with making movement) on both sides of the body. It is rarely seen in persons under the age of 18; most cases are in adults between the ages of 31 and 60. Progressive muscle weakness starts in the proximal muscle (the muscle closest to the trunk of the body), which eventually leads to difficulty climbing stairs, rising from a sitting position, lifting objects, or reaching overhead. People with polymyositis may also experience arthritis, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing and speaking, and heart arrhythmias. In some cases of polymyositis, distal muscles (muscles further away from the trunk of the body, such as those in the forearms and around the ankles and wrists) may be affected as the disease progresses. Polymyositis may be associated with collagen-vascular or autoimmune diseases, such as lupus. Polymyositis may also be associated with infectious disorders, such as human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency (HIV/AIDS).
This answer from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has been reviewed and/or edited by Dr. William D. Knopf.
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Reston Hospital Center answeredThere is no cure for polymyositis, but its symptoms can be treated. Options include medication, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy (including microwave and ultrasound), orthotics and assistive devices, and rest. The standard treatment for polymyositis is a corticosteroid drug, given either in a pill form or intravenously. Immunosuppressant drugs such as azathioprine and methotrexate may reduce inflammation in people who do not respond well to prednisone. Periodic treatment using intravenous immunoglobulin can also improve recovery. Other immunosuppressive agents used to treat the inflammation associated with polymyositis include cyclosporine A, cyclophosphamide, and tacrolimus. Physical therapy is usually recommended to prevent muscle atrophy and to regain muscle strength and range of motion.
This answer is based on source information from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
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Reston Hospital Center answered
The prognosis for polymyositis varies. Most people respond fairly well to therapy, but some have a more severe disease that does not respond adequately to therapies and are left with a significant disability. In rare cases, individuals with severe and progressive muscle weakness will develop respiratory failure or pneumonia. Difficulty in swallowing may cause weight loss and malnutrition.
This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
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Polymyositis is diagnosed with a thorough history and physical examination. Clinical suspicion is then corroborated with laboratory examination including creatine kinase (CK) and acute phase reactant levels. Additional diagnostic testing with electromyography (EMG) and MRI can be performed. Finally muscle biopsy is used for confirmation.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 AnswersScientists are studying various new approaches to treating polymyositis. For example, ongoing clinical trials are testing whether people with polymyositis benefit from the drug rituximab, which is usually used in treating cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers also know that a glitch in the way certain genes behave is associated with this disease. Developing medications that correct this problem could treat polymyositis.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredPolymyositis may cause you to develop difficulty speaking. Polymyositis is a general term for a group of diseases that cause muscles to become inflamed. The main symptom of polymyositis is muscle weakness. The act of speaking requires coordinated muscle movement, so this condition may make it difficult to communicate clearly.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredPolymyositis may cause you to develop difficulty swallowing. Polymyositis is a general term for a group of diseases that cause muscles to become inflamed. The main symptom of polymyositis is muscle weakness. Swallowing food requires coordinated muscle movement, so this condition may make it difficult to eat. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop this problem, which is known as dysphagia.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 AnswersOne complication of polymyositis is a potentially serious heart condition known as an arrhythmia. When you develop an arrhythmia, your heartbeat becomes irregular. It may beat too fast or too slow, or it may simply beat erratically. Arrhythmias can trigger heart attacks, so tell a doctor if you develop muscle weakness, have heart palpitations, or develop any other unusual symptoms.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 AnswersPeople with polymyositis often develop the common joint condition known as arthritis. Polymyositis is a disease that produces inflammation in the muscles. The most obvious symptom is muscle weakness. However, inflammation is also known to cause joints to become swollen and painful, the main symptoms of arthritis. Your doctor can prescribe corticosteroids or other drugs to help control inflammation and reduce your symptoms.