What are the Signs and Symptoms of Polymyositis?
November 6, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Polymyositis is a rare autoimmune disease that primarily affects the muscles, leading to inflammation and weakness. The signs and symptoms of polymyositis can vary from person to person but often include:
- Muscle Weakness: Progressive muscle weakness is the hallmark symptom of polymyositis. It typically begins in the proximal muscles, such as the muscles of the hips and shoulders. This weakness can make everyday tasks, like standing up from a chair, climbing stairs, or lifting objects, difficult.
- Symmetrical Muscle Involvement: Polymyositis often affects muscles on both sides of the body symmetrically. This means if one hip or shoulder is affected, the corresponding one on the opposite side is also affected.
- Muscle Pain and Tenderness: Affected muscles may be painful and tender. The pain is often described as deep and aching.
- Difficulty Swallowing: In some cases, polymyositis can affect the muscles involved in swallowing, leading to difficulty or discomfort while eating or drinking.
- Fatigue: Muscle weakness and inflammation can result in significant fatigue and a general feeling of exhaustion.
- Dysphonia: Some individuals may develop dysphonia, which is a hoarse or weak voice due to the involvement of the muscles controlling the vocal cords.
- Difficulty Breathing: In severe cases, polymyositis can affect the muscles involved in breathing, leading to shortness of breath and reduced lung capacity.
- Skin Changes: Polymyositis is sometimes associated with skin changes, including a reddish or purplish rash on the upper eyelids and knuckles, known as the Gottron’s sign. There may also be skin thickening (dermatomyositis), which is another condition related to polymyositis.
- Joint Pain: Some individuals with polymyositis may experience joint pain and swelling, resembling symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Swelling and Muscle Atrophy: Over time, affected muscles may undergo atrophy, becoming visibly smaller in size. This is due to the loss of muscle tissue.
It’s important to note that polymyositis is an autoimmune disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy muscle tissue. The exact cause of polymyositis is not well understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Diagnosing polymyositis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, blood tests, electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle activity, and muscle biopsy to confirm the presence of inflammation and muscle damage. Treatment often includes immunosuppressive medications, such as corticosteroids and other immunomodulatory drugs, to suppress the immune response and reduce muscle inflammation.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to manage polymyositis and potentially slow down the progression of the disease. Medical management is typically carried out by rheumatologists, neurologists, or specialists in autoimmune diseases. Physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments may also be recommended to help manage the condition and improve muscle strength and function.