Polymyositis Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What is Polymyositis?

Polymyositis is a condition in a group of diseases named inflammatory myopathies. It is a condition that causes muscles to become irritated and inflamed all over the body. The muscles start to break down and become weak. Polymyositis affects striated muscle fibers and can come on gradually over weeks or months.The condition most commonly affects people ages 31 to 60, rarely occurring in people younger than 18.

What are the symptoms of Polymyositis?

Polymyositis often affects muscles closest to the trunk such as hips, shoulders and neck.

As this condition progresses it can affected the upper esophagus and chest wall, and may cause the following complications:

• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Muscle weakness, particularly in the abdomen, shoulders, upper arms, and hips
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Trouble catching your breath
• Problems with swallowing
• Irregular heart rhythms, if the heart muscle becomes inflamed (myocarditis)
• Malnutrition
• Weight loss
• Calcium deposits
• Aspiration pneumonia
• Respiratory failure
• Interstitial lung disease

What can I do at home?

• Protective measures for the skin, such as avoiding heavy sun exposure, wearing sunscreen and protective clothes as sun exposure causes symptoms to flare up.