Do your muscles always hurt or feel weak? Let's talk about Polymyositis!

Do you sometimes feel pain in your muscles, or a feeling of being helpless? Or does someone you know have such difficulties? These things can really affect us in our daily lives. Today we are going to talk about a disease that affects our muscles, but is not very common. This is called polymyositis.

What is Polymyositis? Simply put...

Simply put, polymyositis is a rare autoimmune disease. When you hear the word "autoimmune disease," it's probably a little hard to understand, isn't it? Let me explain it this way.

We have an immune system in our body. It is like an army in our country. The role of this system is to protect us by fighting germs and disease-causing substances from outside. However, sometimes this defense system of ours goes awry. Then it starts attacking not only the enemies from outside, but also the healthy cells and tissues of our own body. That is the condition called an autoimmune disease.

That's what happens in polymyositis. Our immune system starts attacking our own muscles, that is, the muscles. This is a type of myositis. Myositis is a chronic inflammation, that is, swelling, of the muscles. This inflammation comes and goes over time, and eventually it weakens our muscles.

If you have polymyositis, this inflammation can occur in several muscles at the same time. It is especially common in the muscles near the middle of the body. For example:

• In your hands (arms)
• In the hip area and thighs
• In the chest
• Back
• In the stomach
• On the neck

Doctors still don't know exactly what causes polymyositis, and there's no cure. But a doctor can help you treat your symptoms and manage how they affect your daily life.

How common is this disease?

Polymyositis is actually a very rare disease. Experts estimate that less than 25 out of 100,000 people get the disease each year. So you can imagine how rare it is.

What are the symptoms of this? How do we recognize it?

There are several common symptoms of polymyositis. Let's take a look at what they are:

• Muscle weakness: You may feel like your muscles are losing strength, especially in your shoulders and hips.
• Muscle pain and stiffness: It may also be painful to touch.
• Difficulty swallowing: Doctors call this ``dysphagia.'' It feels like food or drink is not going down your throat.
• Difficulty speaking: Words become slurred, making it difficult to speak clearly.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath: This is called ``dyspnea.'' You may feel like you are having trouble breathing even with mild exertion.
• Constant fatigue: No matter how much sleep you get, you feel like you have no energy, you are always tired.
• Joint pain.
• Fever.
• Body stiffness: Your body feels stiff like wood, especially when you wake up in the morning.
• Weight loss.

These symptoms can make it difficult for you to do your usual activities. Think about it this way:

• It's hard to get up from sitting in a chair.
• My legs go numb when I climb stairs.
• It's hard to lift a weight.
• It's hard to raise your hand and pick something up.

One important thing to remember: Some of the symptoms of polymyositis can lead to complications that can be life-threatening. So, if you feel like you're having trouble breathing or can't swallow properly, go to the hospital or call an ambulance right away . It's important to talk to your doctor about these things and stay informed.

Why does polymyositis occur? What is the cause?

As we've discussed before, polymyositis is an autoimmune disease. But experts still don't have a clear idea of ​​why it happens. That is, why our immune system suddenly starts attacking our own body is still a mystery.

Sometimes polymyositis can just start without any obvious cause. Doctors call this ``idiopathic.'' However, in some cases, it can also be triggered by other health conditions or reactions to certain medications.

You are more likely to develop polymyositis if you have other autoimmune diseases. For example:

• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Scleroderma

Also, some viral infections can exacerbate polymyositis.

• Covid-19 `(COVID-19)`
• Influenza (the flu)
• The common cold
• HIV `(HIV)`

Who is more likely to develop it? What are the risk factors?

Although anyone can develop polymyositis, certain groups are more likely to develop it.

• For women: Women are about twice as likely to develop this disease as men.
• For those with other autoimmune diseases.
• For people between the ages of 30 and 60: Although it can develop at any age, it is most common among adults in this age group.

How do you recognize this? How does a doctor detect this?

A doctor diagnoses polymyositis with a physical exam and other tests. First, he or she will ask you about your symptoms, how long they have been present, and how you feel. Then, he or she will examine your muscles, especially those that are weak and showing symptoms. He or she will also ask you how you feel when you do certain movements.

Your doctor will use several tests to confirm polymyositis. Some of these tests can also help rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. Your doctor may use tests like these:

• Blood tests: These check for muscle enzymes or antibodies that indicate whether your muscles are damaged.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan: This can check for inflammation, or swelling, in your muscles.
• EMG (Electromyography) test: This can detect abnormal muscle activity.
• Muscle biopsy: This involves taking a small piece of the affected muscle and examining it under a microscope. This can give an idea of ​​the extent of damage to the muscle tissue and its overall health.

Is there treatment? How do you manage this?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for polymyositis. But don't worry. Your doctor can recommend treatments to help manage the inflammation, or swelling, in your muscles. While these treatments won't completely cure polymyositis, they can help reduce the impact that symptoms have on your daily life. Many people can control the disease with these treatments, achieving a period of time without inflammation and minimal symptoms (called a `remission`).

The most commonly used treatments for polymyositis are:

• Corticosteroids: These are a type of anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by a doctor. They help control swelling and pain.
• Immunosuppressants: These drugs work by reducing the activity of your immune system, which reduces the damage it can do to your muscles. In simple terms, it's like calming down our own army.
• Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): This involves giving you an extra dose of antibodies through a vein. This IVIG treatment can redirect your immune system's focus. It can then attack your body's own tissues less. It's like giving your immune system a job to do, so it can do less damage to your muscles.
• Physical therapy: Your doctor or physical therapist will teach you exercises and stretches to keep the affected muscles flexible and strong. Physical therapy can help strengthen your muscles and reduce future flare-ups of polymyositis symptoms.

Can this be prevented from happening?

Because the exact cause of this disease is not known, there is no way to prevent it. We cannot predict who will get it, when symptoms will appear, or whether it will recur.

What is it like to live with polymyositis? What to expect?

Polymyositis is usually a lifelong condition. Although there is no cure, many people can manage the disease and keep symptoms to a minimum with a combination of treatments.

However, in some cases, polymyositis can cause life-threatening complications. It can be fatal, especially if it severely affects the muscles in your throat and chest that help you breathe and swallow.

Polymyositis causes inflammation and weakness in your muscles, especially in the middle of your body. You'll often have to manage it for the rest of your life, with periods of symptoms that come and go. Although there's no permanent cure, your doctor can help you find a treatment plan that works for you. This can help reduce the impact the disease has on your daily life. Many people can control the disease and experience fewer symptoms.

When should I see a doctor?

If you develop new muscle weakness, pain, or other symptoms, especially if they don't improve within a few days, see a doctor immediately.

Talk to your doctor if your symptoms get worse or if they seem to be spreading to other areas. Also tell your doctor if you feel like your treatment is not working as well as it used to, or if your polymyositis symptoms are getting worse or worse.

If you have any of the following symptoms, go to an emergency room immediately or call 911 (or your local emergency number):

• If you can't move a body part that you can normally move.
• If you have difficulty breathing.
• If you have difficulty swallowing.

What questions should you ask your doctor?

It's a good idea to ask your doctor questions like these:

• Is it possible that I could develop another type of myositis?
• What kind of treatment do I need?
• What symptoms or changes should I look out for?
• How often do I need to come in for tests to monitor my symptoms or change my treatment?

Is this something that comes from generations?

Some studies have found that polymyositis (and other types of myositis) may have a genetic link. This means that children can inherit certain genetic mutations from their parents, which may increase their risk of developing the condition.

However, experts have not yet identified the specific genetic mutations that cause polymyositis. And it is not yet possible to prove that if you have polymyositis, your children are at increased risk of developing it too.

If you are concerned about passing on these conditions to your children, talk to your doctor about genetic counseling.

What is the life expectancy of someone with polymyositis?

Polymyositis usually does not affect your life expectancy (how long you will live). However, it can cause life-threatening complications, especially if the muscles in your neck and throat become severely weak. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, tell your doctor right away. He or she can help you adjust your treatment to manage these symptoms before they become dangerous.

Finally, things to remember

Polymyositis is a complex and life-threatening condition. However, with the right medical advice, treatment, and your own dedication, many people have been able to manage the condition well and live successful lives.

Remember, you are not alone. When living with a condition like this, the support of family and friends is invaluable. It is also important to talk openly with your doctor about your concerns and fears. Only then can you develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Talk to your doctor about the risk of serious complications, especially those involving the muscles that control swallowing and breathing. He or she will explain to you what warning signs to look out for. Never ignore symptoms. Seeking medical attention early can help you avoid many more problems.

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