Myositis

What is Myositis?

When your immune system inflames your voluntary (skeletal) muscles persistently or chronically can lead to development of myositis. This health condition affects muscles that you control consciously, to help with body movement.

Myositis can be caused following an injury, through infections or through autoimmune disease.

Inflammation of the muscles or myositis affects people of all ages, making children as well as adults vulnerable. Experts are still trying to find out the reason regarding its development.

Myositis progresses gradually and causes a range of symptoms in those affected. A perfect diagnosis of myositis is therefore required, so that appropriate treatment options can be decided upon.

This condition has no cure to date so treatment for myositis consists of a combination of medication and physical therapy, exercise and rest that can help manage its symptoms.

Causes of Myositis

The cause for myositis remains unknown. Nonetheless, researchers have associated certain infections, autoimmune processes and injuries to myositis. Specific genetic factors may also make an individual more prone to myositis.

Causes of myositis are associated to factors that vary widely, from autoimmune disorders to infections to simple injuries. Myositis may manifest and cause damage to tendons and ligaments.

People who have lupus, fibromyalgia and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy may experience muscle inflammation.

An imbalance of electrolyte in the body is also cited as a responsible myositis cause. Symptoms for myositis have been reported in people using drugs such as ACE inhibitors. Myositis is also found to be present in those with substance abuse or withdrawal.

Among lesser affecting presumed causes are ingestions of statins and fibrates (lipid-lowering drugs) that can result in causing symptoms.

Symptoms of Myositis

Symptoms are experienced differently among affected individuals and build gradually with varying intensity. Weakening of the muscles is among the most common myositis symptoms. This may result in muscle tenderness and occurrence of body pain in certain areas.

Difficulties may arise in performing normal activities such as climbing upstairs, standing from a seated position or raising your hands above shoulder.

Other symptoms of myositis include weakness of lung muscles that can make breathing difficult and cause coughing.

Treatment for Myositis

At present, myositis does not have any cure. But symptoms can be managed through a combination of myositis treatment.

A complete assessment and diagnosis is required to plan an appropriate mode of treatment that will help in restoring the patient’s health.

A health professional makes use of a combination of drugs for treating the patient. Drugs such as immunosuppressants or corticosteroids help slow down the body's immune system.

This brings about a decrease in inflammation of muscles and skin. In addition, it helps control inflammation, pain, rash and to improve muscle strength. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed for pain relief.

Since myositis is a symptom of an underlying condition, myositis prognosis depends on the expected outcome of specific diagnosis and how effective the treatment for myositis is.