Polymyositis
What is Polymyositis ?
Polymyositis (pol-e-my-o-SY-tis) is an uncommon inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness affecting both sides of your body. Having this condition can make it difficult to climb stairs, rise from a seated position, lift objects, or reach overhead.
Polymyositis most commonly affects adults in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. Women are affected more often than men. Signs and symptoms usually develop gradually, over weeks or months. While there is no cure for polymyositis, treatment — ranging from medications to physical therapy — can improve your muscle strength and function.
Symptoms
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle pain and tenderness
- Trouble swallowing
- Difficulty talking
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Stiffness
- Weight loss
Cause
Polymyositis is an autoimmune disease, but experts aren’t sure what causes it. Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune system accidentally attacks your body instead of protecting it. Polymyositis can start on its own with no cause (idiopathically). Sometimes, other health conditions or reactions to medications trigger it. You’re more likely to develop polymyositis if you have other autoimmune diseases, including Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, and Scleroderma. Some viral infections can trigger polymyositis, including COVID-19, Influenza (the flu), the common cold, and HIV.
Risk Factors
Anyone can develop polymyositis, but some groups of people are more likely to, including: Females. They’re twice as likely to have polymyositis compared to males. People living with other autoimmune diseases. People 30 to 60 years old. It can develop at any age, but it’s most common in adults in this age range.
When to see a Doctor
Seek medical attention if you develop unexplained muscle weakness.