Myositis symptoms vary depending on the type, but general symptoms include muscle weakness, skin changes, and fatigue. Polymyositis affects large muscles near the trunk, while inclusion body myositis affects outer limbs. Dermatomyositis has similar symptoms to polymyositis, but also presents with skin conditions. Juvenile dermatomyositis affects children, while inclusion body myositis affects the elderly. Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment.
The symptoms of myositis vary from person to person and depend on the type of myositis; types include polymyositis, dermatomyositis, juvenile dermatomyositis, and inclusion body myositis. There are some general symptoms of myositis that can be associated with all forms of the disease, such as muscle weakness, skin changes, and muscle fatigue. There are some myositis symptoms that are specific. For example, people with polymyositis have weakness in the large muscles near the trunk of the person’s body, while people with inclusion body myositis have muscle weakness in the outer limbs, such as the calves and forearms.
Symptoms of polymyositis include muscle fatigue, muscle weakness, and arthritis, particularly in muscles found near the trunk, such as the hips, shoulders, and thighs. The muscles typically become so weak that it is difficult to lift objects, brush one’s hair, or even get dressed. Sometimes, a person experiences weakness in the neck muscles, making it difficult to lift the head from a resting position. Other symptoms include weakness in the throat muscles and difficulty breathing. Some people also have fever, joint pain and sensitivity to cold.
Dermatomyositis is another form of myositis that has many of the same symptoms as polymyositis, such as muscle fatigue, but also presents with skin conditions. Myositis symptoms for this type of disease often include a red or purple rash on the neck, shoulders, chest, forehead, and face, along with raised bumps on the ankles, knees, elbows, and knuckles. There may also be purple discoloration on the eyelids and damage to the nail cuticles.
If dermatomyositis affects children, it is called juvenile dermatomyositis. Your child will typically have symptoms, such as blood vessel inflammation and calcium deposits. There may also be skin lesions and muscle weakness.
The elderly are typically affected by inclusion body myositis. Symptoms of inclusion body myositis include difficulty swallowing and extreme muscle weakness. Muscles often wear out and tendons are usually diminished. Typically, any muscle weakness occurs in the calves and forearms.
Although the symptoms of myositis can be quite severe, they can also be treated. The sooner it can be diagnosed, the faster the symptoms can be relieved. Unfortunately, it can be considered difficult to diagnose, forcing the affected individual to participate in tests and laboratory analyzes over a period of months or even years. Most people respond well to treatment once the condition is discovered.
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