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Polymyositis means multiple attacks on muscles. The immune system attacks mostly the proximal muscles (close to the spine)in a symmetrical fashion, in particular upper legs, pelvic girdle, neck muscles. Sometimes the diaphragm, the voice box, and muscles that control swallowing are affected. Muscular pain can be present. Even if it is not, the person will notice gradual weakness: difficulty in going up stairs, rising from a sitting position, difficulty in running, lifting arms over head, shortness of breath, voice losing strength.
If the disease is untreated, the PM sufferer may become so weak that he/she will need a walker, a wheelchair, have major problems swallowing. This can lead to food aspiration (going in the lungs). Kidneys may be affected by the enzymes produced by the attacked muscles. PM is associated with pneumonia.
There is a correlation between PM and malignancy. The immune system is malfunctioning: other immune system diseases may also be present.
There is actually no cure for PM but it can be treated. Rheumatologists (or neurologists) will prescribe steroids and immunosuppressors to stop the attack and the inflammation. If this is not working, immuno globulin perfusions can be given. The immune system being on hold, there is danger in catching viruses or infections.
Once the disease under control, the patient will have to rebuild his muscles in order to regain a semblance of what he/she was before.
Can it be fatal? Yes, if untreated. The person becomes so weak that he is prone to falling, may become bed-ridden, unable to swallow (tube-feeding), lungs do not work properly. Kidneys are affected and do not filter properly.
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Why is polymyositis similar to dermatomyositis?
Dermatomyositis is identical to polymyositis with the addition of a characteristic skin rash.
What is the medical condition polymyositis?
Polymyositis is an inflammatory muscle disease causing weakness and pain.
When did Lenmana Guerin die?
Lenmana Guerin died on October 13, 1996, in Sun Valley, California, USA of polymyositis.
What does Polymyositis produce?
In polymyositis, symptoms include muscle weakness, particularly in the shoulders or pelvis, that prevents the patient from performing everyday activities
Chronic inflammatory myopathy of uncertain etiology?
polymyositis
What is the difference between polymyositis and myositis?
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What is the definition of the word polymyositis?
Polymyositis is a weakness that occurs in the neck muscles causing them to become limp. It also leads to swelling and muscle pain, general fatigue and soreness in the back.
What is the onset of polymyositis?
A progressive condition, usually beginning in adulthood.
What medical term means a disease characterized by the simultaneous inflammation of voluntary muscles in many parts of the body?
Myositis is a general term for inflammation of the muscles. There can be several causes. The most common being polymyositis and dermatomyositis.
What are the effects of polymyositis?
It causes muscles to exhibit varying degrees of decreased strength, usually affecting those muscles that are closest to the trunk of the body. Trouble with swallowing (dysphagia) may occur with polymyositis.
What is the prefix for the word polymyositis?
The prefix is poly-. This prefix means many.
Are sarcoidosis and polymyositis related or does one cause the other?
It appears that granulomata (sarcoidosis) per se does not exert a significant ill effect on surrounding muscle cells. Some times polymyositis leads to a diagnosis of sarcoidosis.
