Polymyositis is a medical condition that leads to multiple inflammations of the muscles. It usually affects both sides of the body causing muscle weakness. Polymyositis primarily affects adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. However, in rare cases, it can affect children below 18 years. In addition, women are at a greater risk of developing polymyositis than men.
Polymyositis symptoms develop gradually over weeks or months depending on the severity of the inflammation and the medical health of the patient. Patients with prolonged polymyositis may experience difficulty climbing stairs, lifting heavy objects, etc. Get in touch with your healthcare provider in case you are experiencing difficulty carrying out your daily tasks due to extreme pain.
Polymyositis can be present along with other diseases such as dermatomyositis which are sometimes associated with certain cancers. Polymyositis symptoms usually include the following:
The exact cause of polymyositis is still under debate. The researchers indicate the primary cause of polymyositis as a defect in the immune system which attacks the muscles. In addition, there are several risk factors that can increase the risk of polymyositis:
The doctor conducts a physical examination and examines your medical history and family history report. Polymyositis diagnosis is usually done to exclude the possibility of medical conditions which are symptomatically similar to Polymyositis. Here are some tests recommended for the polymyositis diagnosis:
Polymyositis treatment aims at improving muscle strength and function. The doctor recommends a timely treatment for effective results which can lead to fewer complications. Depending on the medical health of the patient and the doctor suggests a combination of medicines and therapies for effective results. Polymyositis treatment includes the following:
A combination of polymyositis and dermatomyositis can cause an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lung cancer, and bladder cancer. Depending on the medical condition of the patient and the severity of the condition, polymyositis can also cause breast, ovarian, and colon cancer in women.
There is no direct relation between COVID-19 with polymyositis. However, some cases of inflammatory polymyositis have been reported in association with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination. Discuss your medical condition with the doctor to avoid further complications and risks.
If left untreated, polymyositis can cause extreme pain, discomfort, and several complications. Possible complications of polymyositis include:
Since polymyositis is an autoimmune disease, there is no known way to prevent it. However, there are several risk factors that can be managed through medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary restrictions.
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