What is Myositis

Myositis is a general term used for the inflammation or swelling of the muscles. This swelling can be caused by exercise, injury or infection. This kind of Myositis can be treated easily by giving some rest to the muscles. But when we use this term in medical research then we mean Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies. It causes the swelling and the loss of the body muscles due to unknown or Idiopathic reasons. MYOSITIS can be a very serious disease.

Types of Myositis

  • Dermatomyositis (DM): People belonging to any age or sex can be affected by it, but women are more prone to DM. It is the easiest type of Myositis that can be diagnosed.
  • Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM): This type of Myositis infects people after the age of 50. More men are affected to IBM than women. In some of the cases of IBM hereditary chain is found.
  • Polymyositis (PM): It normally affects the people above the age of 20. it occurs more in women than men. The weakness begins in the neck, hip, back and shoulder muscles. And, in some cases patients find weakness in their hand and finger muscles.
  • Juvenile forms of Myositis (JM) : JM is found normally in children below the age of 18. It is of two types:

§ Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM): JDM is a disease found by Muscle weakness or skin rash.

§ Juvenile Polymyositis: This Type of Myositis is found in extremely rare cases.

Signs and Symptoms

Weakness of muscle and pain in joints. Muscles close to trunk are badly affected.

  1. Loss of strength and stamina.
  2. Patients will always feel tired and fatigued.
  3. Regions around the eyes can get a violet spot and also gets an abnormal swelling.
  4. Reddish rashes on neck & upper body can be noticed

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Myositis is challenging. Symptoms vary from person to person. The various tests to be carried out are:

  1. Conventional Blood Test
  2. Muscle & Skin Biopsy
  3. Electro Diagnostic Test
  4. Antibody Testing

Treatment

Myositis varies from person to person so treatment also varies.

  • Medications: corticosteroids and other drugs suppress the immune system resulting in slowing down of Myositis attack on healthy tissues.
  • Exercise: Other than medication, regular stretching exercises as prescribed by the physician also helps
  • Rest: Rest is important for recovery.

Prevention

Researchers still do not know the exact causes of the Myositis. So, preventing this disease is not possible. However, some suggestions from doctors are:

  • Never inject illegal drugs under skin or in the muscles
  • Always use prescribed medication
  • Maintain the hygiene of your skin

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