Polymyositis

Polymyositis can be present along with other diseases such as dermatomyositis which are sometimes associated with certain cancers. Polymyositis symptoms usually include the following:

• Difficulty getting up from chairs, climbing stairs, or lifting objects.
• Difficulty while swallowing
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle pain along with tenderness
• Patchy red or violet rash around the eyes, knuckles, elbows, knees, neck and upper chest.
• High Fever
• Weight loss

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:

• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Scleroderma
• Sjogren’s syndrome

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:

• Blood tests
• Electromyography
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Muscle biopsy

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:

• Medications: Certain medicines are effective in treating moderate symptoms of polymyositis. These medicines can help decrease inflammation and adequately improve polymyositis symptoms.
  • Corticosteroids
  • Corticosteroid-sparing agents
  • Rituximab (Rituxan)
• Therapies: The doctor may suggest certain therapies for mild to moderate symptoms. Several exercises can help the patients maintain or improve muscle strength. These therapies can also help manage polymyositis pain and carry out daily activities.
  • Physical therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Dietetic assessment
• Surgical Procedures: In case of severe symptoms, the doctor recommends intravenous infusion of immunoglobulins (IVIG) to reduce polymyositis pain. IVIg is a purified blood product that contains healthy antibodies. The antibodies are infused through the vein which blocks the damaging antibodies that attack the muscles.