Myositis is a rare disease that adversely affects your immune system which in sequence damages your muscles. It is more common in women than men, and the average age of diagnosis is 50 years old. However, it can affect both children and adults. It is a chronic, progressive inflammation of the muscles and is associated with skin rashes in some types. This rare disease can be challenging to diagnose, and the exact cause is often unknown. It is considered an autoimmune condition, where the body's immune system attacks the muscles. We suggest looking for myositis disease symptoms for prompt diagnosis. Recognising the symptoms of myositis is essential to initiate early intervention, as it can prevent further muscle damage and improve the overall quality of life for affected individuals. Early intervention can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve the overall quality of life.
Symptoms of Myositis
There are five main types of myositis: dermatomyositis, inclusion-body myositis, juvenile myositis, polymyositis, and toxic myositis. Listed below are the myositis disease symptoms of different types of myositis -
Dermatomyositis
- Heliotrope flower-like rash on eyelids, face, chest, and joints.
- Joint inflammation and nail-bed abnormalities.
Inclusion-body myositis
- Asymmetrical muscle weakness, particularly in smaller muscles.
- Difficulty walking, loss of balance, and weakened hand grip.
Juvenile myositis
- A visible reddish-purple rash over eyelids or joints, sometimes in the shape of the heliotrope flower.
- Motor function difficulties in children include difficulty climbing stairs, standing seated, and getting dressed.
- Swelling or redness around the fingernails.
Polymyositis
- Muscle weakness starts from the muscles closest to the trunk.
- Chronic dry cough and difficulty breathing.
- Thickening of the skin on the hands and hoarse voice.
Toxic myositis
- Certain medications and substances often cause symptoms similar to other types of myositis.
- It includes muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle pain, and more. Improvement is typically seen after discontinuing the causative agent.
Being aware of the symptoms of myositis is necessary to ensure that timely medical intervention is done. The best prevention against myositis is identifying it correctly and starting treatment for the same, at the earliest. For this, having a clear understanding of the myositis disease symptoms is a must. Being aware of the early warning symptoms of myositis can lead to prompt medical intervention, reducing the risk of muscle damage and improving the overall prognosis. People with myositis can better manage the condition by prioritizing early detection and seeking appropriate medical care. Having health insurance can provide financial support for treatment, ensuring access to necessary medical care for managing myositis and its symptoms effectively.
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.