Myositis is an inflammation of the muscles that weakens it, causing symptoms such as muscle pain, muscle weakness and increased muscle sensitivity, which causes difficulties in performing certain tasks such as climbing stairs, raising arms, standing, walking or lifting a chair, for example. .
Myositis can affect any area of the body, and in some cases, the problem is resolved with treatment that usually involves the use of medications and exercise to maintain muscle strength. However, in other cases, myositis is a chronic problem that lasts a lifetime, but can be relieved with treatment.
Symptoms associated with myositis usually include
These symptoms can vary depending on the type and cause of myositis, and therefore whenever abnormal muscle fatigue is suspected, it is important to consult a general practitioner or rheumatologist to identify the problem and initiate appropriate treatment.
Depending on its cause, myositis can be divided into several types. Some of these types are:
Progressive ossifying myositis, also called progressive ossifying fibrodysplasia, is a rare genetic disorder in which muscles, ligaments and tendons gradually become bone, due to trauma such as bone fractures or muscle damage. Your symptoms usually include loss of movement in the joints affected by the disease, resulting in inability to open your mouth, pain, deafness or shortness of breath.
How to treat: There is no treatment that can cure ossifying myositis, however, it is important to monitor it frequently with your doctor to relieve any symptoms that may occur. Learn more about what ossifying myositis is.
Childhood myositis affects children between the ages of 5 and 15. Its cause is not yet known, but it is a disease that causes muscle weakness, reddish skin lesions, and widespread pain, causing difficulty climbing stairs, dressing or combing hair, or swallowing.
How to Treat: The use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants prescribed by the pediatrician, as well as regular physical exercise to help maintain muscle strength.
Infectious myositis is usually caused by an infection such as influenza or even trichinosis, which is an infection that occurs when eating raw or undercooked pork or wild animals, causing symptoms such as muscle pain, muscle weakness and in the case of flu, runny nose and fever.
How to treat it: The disease that causes inflammation of the muscles must be treated, however, the doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids such as prednisone to reduce the inflammation more quickly.
Acute viral myositis is a rare type of disease that causes muscles to inflate, weaken, and sleep. HIV and common influenza viruses can cause this muscle infection. Symptoms develop quickly and the patient may not be able to get out of bed with so much pain and weakness. during infection.
How to treat: Use of antiviral medications or corticosteroids prescribed by your doctor to relieve symptoms. In addition, it is always recommended to maintain sufficient intake of fluids to avoid dehydration, as well as to rest until symptoms disappear.