You are starting to notice a change in your body. Lately you’ve been having trouble performing simple tasks. Climbing the stairs, lifting grocery bags, reaching up to put away the groceries, even trying to get up from your easy chair, all have become a struggle for you. Along with those issues, you are noticing pain and tenderness around your waist and shortness of breath. Your health has never been an issue. You’re in good shape for your age. What is happening?
It’s time for a visit with your healthcare provider. A physical exam and blood work are scheduled. Your doctor seems concerned but waits for the blood test results to confirm your diagnosis: you have Polymyositis. You have never heard of Polymyositis. The informational pamphlets …show more content…
Polymyositis (idiopathic inflammatory myopathy) is described by the Cleveland Clinic as an “inflammatory muscle disease that causes muscle weakness.” Polymyositis is a disease that advances gradually over time. In some cases, Polymyositis will affect muscles other than those located in your …show more content…
The major symptoms associated with Polymyositis include: muscle weakness or pain, difficulty swallowing, voice problems, and shortness of breath. Less frequent symptoms include: fatigue, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, morning stiffness, or weight loss. In some cases, polymyositis is an early warning for cancer.
What causes Polymyositis? According to the National Institute of Health the exact cause is unknown. In some cases Polymyositis is related to an autoimmune reaction or infection. It is most common in children and adults over 50. Women are affected twice as often as men, and occurs more more frequently for African Americans than Caucasians.
Can it be treated? Corticosteroid medicines are considered the main treatment. Muscle strength normally improves in 4 to 6 weeks. A lower dose of corticosteroid is then continued as a precaution. Occasionally, polymyositis has been found to be associated with a tumor, which if removed, improves the
It’s time for a visit with your healthcare provider. A physical exam and blood work are scheduled. Your doctor seems concerned but waits for the blood test results to confirm your diagnosis: you have Polymyositis. You have never heard of Polymyositis. The informational pamphlets …show more content…
Polymyositis (idiopathic inflammatory myopathy) is described by the Cleveland Clinic as an “inflammatory muscle disease that causes muscle weakness.” Polymyositis is a disease that advances gradually over time. In some cases, Polymyositis will affect muscles other than those located in your …show more content…
The major symptoms associated with Polymyositis include: muscle weakness or pain, difficulty swallowing, voice problems, and shortness of breath. Less frequent symptoms include: fatigue, fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, morning stiffness, or weight loss. In some cases, polymyositis is an early warning for cancer.
What causes Polymyositis? According to the National Institute of Health the exact cause is unknown. In some cases Polymyositis is related to an autoimmune reaction or infection. It is most common in children and adults over 50. Women are affected twice as often as men, and occurs more more frequently for African Americans than Caucasians.
Can it be treated? Corticosteroid medicines are considered the main treatment. Muscle strength normally improves in 4 to 6 weeks. A lower dose of corticosteroid is then continued as a precaution. Occasionally, polymyositis has been found to be associated with a tumor, which if removed, improves the