The term myositis implies inflammation in muscles. This is a condition characterised by the immune system’s assault on the muscles, resulting in an autoimmune disease. In this condition, muscles become weak, tired and painful due to chronic inflammation and swelling. Myositis is a type of myopathy that refers to diseases that affect the muscles connected to the bones (skeletal muscles). Symptoms of myositis involve weakness that results in having trouble standing up, climbing stairs and lifting the arms. Myositis usually affects the muscles used for movement, including arms, shoulders, legs, hips, abdomen, and spine.
Causes of Myositis
Let’s delve deeper and see what causes myositis so that you have a better understanding of the condition. Myositis occurs when the immune system attacks its cells, leading to muscle inflammation. One can divide the causes of myositis into several categories:
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Inflammatory conditions
Here, inflammation occurs throughout the body that may affect the muscles, causing myositis. The inflammatory condition leads to potentially severe myositis, which includes:
- Dermatomyositis
- Polymyositis
- Inclusion body myositis
Other inflammatory conditions can cause milder forms of myositis, including:
- Lupus
- Scleroderma
- Rheumatoid arthritis
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Viral infections
Viral infections are one of the most common infections that cause myositis. Fungi, bacteria, or other organisms can also cause myositis by invading muscle tissue directly or releasing substances that can damage muscle fibres. Common cold or flu viruses and HIV are also known to cause myositis.
Some medicines and drugs are also known to cause muscle damage, such as
- Alpha-interferon
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
- Colchicine
- Plaquenil
- Statins
Myopathy may occur right after one takes a medication or drug; sometimes, an interaction between two medications leads to severe myositis.
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Injury
Vigorous exercise can cause swelling, muscle pain, and weakness for hours or days after a workout session; this might cause inflammation in some cases and contribute to the symptoms of myositis. Symptoms occurring after exercise or injury can nearly resolve completely with rest and recovery.
The main symptom associated with myositis is muscle weakness that may be noticeable only when tested. Some health conditions like dermatomyositis, polymyositis and other inflammatory myositis tend to cause weakness and might affect large muscle groups, including the neck, shoulders, hips and back muscles on both sides of the body that may worsen slowly over weeks or months.
Other symptoms that may be present with inflammatory conditions occurring due to myositis include:
- Rash
- Fatigue
- Thickened skin
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Difficulty in breathing
When a viral infection triggers myositis, individuals typically experience symptoms commonly associated with viral illnesses, such as a runny nose, fever, cough, sore throat, nausea and diarrhoea. These viral infection symptoms may subside within a few days or weeks before the onset of myositis symptoms.
Conclusion
Myositis is an uncommon disease, prompting extensive research for potential treatments. There is a growing awareness within the medical community of the need to manage patients with myositis effectively. Nonetheless, myositis is a grave condition that typically requires immediate treatment. If left untreated, myositis can lead to substantial disability and, in some cases, even result in death, highlighting the importance of comprehensive health insurance to support timely medical care, as there is no cure for any of its forms.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.