Polymyositis
Polymyositis Causes
At present, the cause of polymyositis has not been determined. Some patients are found to have indicators of heredity susceptibility; others may have developed the disease due to infection with a virus that is resistant to treatment.
Polymyositis Definition
Polymyositis is an inflammation of the muscle fibers usually those muscles close to the torso.
Polymyositis Diagnosis
Doctors discuss the patient's symptoms particularly weakness and examine the condition of the other body parts such as the skin, heart, lungs, and joints. Blood tests or urine tests are conducted to check for abnormally high levels of muscle enzymes or other internal organ abnormalities. Doctors may consider chest X-rays, mammograms, PAP smears, and other screening tests, or recommend an electromyography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Polymyositis Symptoms and Signs
Patients gradually or rapidly feel a weakness in their muscles such as difficulty standing up from chairs, climbing stairs, or lifting things above the shoulders. They may also have swallowing difficulty. Others feel fatigue, lose weight, or have low-grade fever. The skin rashes or discoloration may also occur.
Polymyositis Treatment
Polymyositis is initially treated with high doses of corticosteroids to decrease the inflammation in the muscles. The medication may be administered for a number of years based the doctor's findings in relation to symptoms, examination, and muscle enzyme blood test. Physical therapy, as an essential part of the treatment, is customized according to a patient's condition. Early treatment can improve the patient's condition.