Myositis is a rare disease that involves inflammation of the muscles. It can present with a variety of symptoms such as skin involvement, muscle weakness, and other organ involvement. Systemic symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and low fever can also be present. Myositis can affect people of any age, including children, and the main muscles to be affected are around the shoulders, hips, and thighs. It can also lead to other parts of the body being affected, such as the skin, lungs, or heart. Sometimes myositis can affect the muscles that carry out tasks such as breathing and swallowing.
The causes of myositis can include injury, medicines, infection, inherited muscle disease, or an autoimmune disorder. It can also be idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause. The most common infectious cause of myositis is viral infections, such as the common cold, but it can also include bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections. Viruses, such as COVID-19, are also shown to be a rare cause of myositis. Some people develop myositis after they have a viral infection.
Diagnosis of myositis involves various tools such as physical examination, electromyography, magnetic resonance imaging, muscle biopsy, and blood tests. Blood tests can look for signs of damaged muscles, inflammation levels within the body, and the presence of autoantibodies, which are tiny proteins that can attack the body’s own.
Treatment options for myositis caused by an autoimmune disease include glucocorticoids, which work to weaken the immune system so that it does not attack the muscles. Other treatments may include physiotherapy to help improve muscle strength and other medications to control the symptoms. While there is no cure for myositis, treatment with medicines and exercise can help manage the condition.
In summary, myositis is a complex condition that can have a significant impact on a persons quality of life. It is important for individuals experiencing symptoms of myositis to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and management.
