Polymyositis – Things you need to know
Polymyositis is an inflammatory connective tissue disease that causes muscle weakness on both sides of the body. It can affect a sufferer’s ability to perform everyday activities such as climbing stairs, lifting objects or rising from a seated position. First presenting in adults between the ages of 30 and 60, and more prevalent in people of an Afro-Caribbean background, as well as women more than men. Due to the nature of the disease, which resembles an autoimmune condition, there is no cure. However, there are several treatments that can alleviate the more severe effects of the disease.
Polymyositis causes and symptoms are not necessarily straightforward. The cause of the disease is as of yet unknown. Its characteristics most resemble autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks the body. Most autoimmune diseases are genetic, but there is no solid evidence to support that it is the case with polymyositis. Symptoms of polymyositis are clearer, due to the muscle weakness associated with the disease. The weakness typically occurs at the muscles closest to the torso like those in the neck and shoulders, and hips and upper thighs. However, it can take weeks or even months for the symptoms to fully manifest, with muscle strength steadily deteriorating over time.
There can also be a number of complications brought about by polymyositis including weakened oesophagus muscles. With the ability to swallow greatly reduced, a sufferer may be less able to consume food leading to potential malnutrition. A sufferer would also be unable to regulate breathing, leading to damaging substances like food and saliva entering the lungs. If you suffer from any of the symptoms of polymyositis then it is advisable to seek medical advice from your doctor.
Despite a lack of cure, there are polymyositis treatments available. The sooner the disease is detected the more effective at curbing its effects it can be. There are two kinds of treatments available to sufferers. Firstly there are several types of medication. Corticosteroids are a type of drug that can keep polymyositis symptoms under control. However due to dangerous side effects brought on by extended use, doctors reduce the dosage patients are on after an initial period. In order to reduce the strong effects of Corticosteroid medication, sparing agents -drugs like azathioprine or methotrexate are prescribed to be used in conjunction with the stronger drug and
help deal with the symptoms of polymyositis.
There are also more conventional therapies if muscle weakness has already began to become severe. Physical therapy can help restore strength and your therapist will introduce you to exercises designed to help restore flexibility to affected areas. Speech therapy and a special diet is also offered to patients in order to help them fully adjust to and compensate for weakened muscles around the neck and throat.
Polymyositis is a very serious disease if left untreated. However, if detected early it can be controlled If any of the symptoms present themselves, you should speak to you spe