All You Need to Know About Polymyositis Polymyositis is medically considered as a chronic inflammatory myopathy. It is related to dermatomyositis that is characterized by skin and muscle inflammation. It can occur at any age often from 31 to 60, less likely below 18, and is more common in blacks and women. Signs and Symptoms Most common are progressive muscle weakness, joint pain or discomfort, difficulty in speaking and swallowing, fatigue, and shortness of breath. It most commonly affects muscles that are near your trunk or torso. Causes The main cause of polymyositis is unknown; however it is related to dermatomyositis whose similarity to autoimmune diseases is remarkable. An unknown cause acts as a trigger for your immune system that begins producing autoimmune antibodies (autoantibodies) that attack your body's own tissues. Complications and associated conditions If not treated, the symptoms can worsen into serious dysphagia, aspiration pneumonia, calcium deposits, and severe breathing problems leading to breathing failure. It is often associated with lung and cardiovascular diseases and other connective tissue diseases. Tests and Diagnosis In addition to a thorough physical exam, your doctor will likely run other tests like magnetic resonance imaging, muscle biopsy, electromyography, and blood tests
to know if you have elevated levels of muscle enzymes, such as creatine kinase and aldolase, to confirm the diagnosis of polymyositis. Treatment and Drugs The disease has no known cure, but the symptoms can be treated, so your doctor will tailor your treatment based on the symptoms you show. Corticosteroids are primary medications along with calcium and vitamin D supplements. Additional immunosuppressive therapies with corticosteroid-sparing agents, intravenous immunoglobulin, and other immunosuppressive medicines are secondary approaches. Biological therapies like rituximab and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors act as third-line medications. Your doctor may also recommend additional therapies like physical therapy, dietetic assessment, and speech therapy. Coping the Disease Dealing with a chronic autoimmune disease might be challenging. But these few steps may be helpful: Research about your illness and do not hesitate to ask your doctor about anything related to your medical condition Exercise at least 30 minutes a day Take prescription steroids and do not skip it Keep your doctor updated about any new signs or symptoms you face and be a part of your medical team Learn to take frequent breaks and take rest whenever you are tired Join a support group having people suffering through different degrees of this disease to know each other better and support Eat in moderation and follow the diet your doctor has prescribed Keep your mind calm and let denial, frustration, and anger go
Diet for the Disease Anti-inflammatory diet for dermatomyositis has proved to be beneficial. An antiinflammatory diet eliminates sugar, junk foods, white flour products, soft drinks, and significant amounts of omega-6 fatty acids. As polymyositis is related to such condition, healthy diet for polymyositis follows the same. Spinach is an excellent source of flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties, and must be included in the diet along with mackerel, sardines, salmon, blueberries, strawberries, papaya, and pineapple. Even gluten-free diet is proved to reduce the symptoms of polymyositis.