Polymyositis

Polymyositis is a rare inflammatory disease which causes muscle weakness and affects both sides of body. Polymyositis is a systemic disease and it affects the whole body.

It may show signs as muscle tenderness and weakness. People with this condition face difficulty in climbing stairs, rising from a seated position, and lifting objects.

Polymyositis have similar characteristics as auto immune disorders. In this condition the immune system mistakenly attacks the body tissues. However the exact cause of Polymyositis is unknown.

Risk factors of Polymyositis are as follows:

  • Age: The people who are in their 30s, 40s or 50s are most commonly affected by this condition.
  • Race: It mostly occurs in blacks than in whites.
  • Gender: Women are more affected by this condition than men.

Common symptoms of Polymyositis include:

  • Muscle weakness in the hips and shoulders
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Joint pain
  • Morning stiffness

Following are the tests recommended by the doctor to diagnose the Polymyositis:

  • Blood tests: A blood test will help in the detection of increased levels of muscle enzymes that can be the sign of muscle damage. Blood test can also determine specific auto-antibodies that are linked with different signs of Polymyositis. It will help in determining the best treatment.
  • Electromyography: This test is done by inserting a thin needle electrode into the muscle through the skin. An electrical activity is measured and changed pattern of electrical activity will confirm a muscle disease. The doctor may test different muscles to detect the distribution of the disease.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A cross-sectional images of muscles are created from data produced by a powerful radio waves and magnetic field. It will help to determine the inflammation over a large area of muscle.
  • Muscle biopsy: A small piece of muscle tissue is removed by surgery for laboratory analysis which will help to detect the abnormalities as damage, inflammation, and certain enzymes or proteins deficiencies.

The common treatments of Polymyositis are as follows:

Medications for Polymyositis

  • Corticosteroids: They can be very efficient in controlling the symptoms of Polymyositis. However their prolonged usage can cause serious and wide-ranging adverse effects. Therefore the dose of these medications is tapered by the doctor.
  • Corticosteroid-sparing agents: When used in combination with corticosteroids these medications can reduce the dose and side effects of the corticosteroid.

Therapy for Polymyositis

  • Physical therapy: Physical therapist can suggest exercises which will aid to maintain and improve flexibility and strength.
  • Speech therapy: Weakened swallowing muscles can be improved by speech therapy.
  • Dietetic assessment: In the later stages of Polymyositis, swallowing and chewing can become harder therefore a registered dietitian can recommend you the preparation of easy-to-eat, nutritious foods.

Surgical and other procedures for Polymyositis

A blood product, Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) containing healthy antibodies are given to the patient of Polymyositis as an infusion intravenously. It blocks the damaging antibodies which attack the muscles in Polymyositis.

Alternative treatments for Polymyositis

Alternative treatments of Polymyositis do not any significance role in the treatment of Polymyositis. However they can provide relief from the pain and stiffness.

  • Acupuncture for Polymyositis: Acupuncture is recommended for the patients of Polymyositis along with other treatments to ease the severe conditions.
  • Homoepathic medicines: Homeopathy cannot cure the Polymyositis but it can be helpful in controlling the progression of disease. It may also improve the symptoms of disease.

Dietary supplement for Polymyositis

Dietary supplements include herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and many other products that have an important role in the maintenance of health. You can get them in the form of traditional tablets, drinks, capsules, powders and energy bars. The best dietary supplement for the patients of Polymyositis is GLME.

  • GLME (Green Lipped Mussel Extract): GLME (Green lipped mussel extract) is the best dietary supplement for Polymyositis. It is extracted from the shell fish (green lipped mussel) which is grown in the farms of New Zealand. It is highly beneficial for the people who suffer from the Polymyositis because of its unique benefits.

Following are the unique benefits of GLME (Green lipped mussel extract) in the treatment and management of Polymyositis:

  • It inhibits the muscle weakening and enhances muscle strength and mobility.
  • It assists other medicines to show their maximum efficacy.

Seatone is the best GLME (green lipped mussel extract) product which is available as capsules. Seatone is the safest treatment for Polymyositis as:

  • It is extracted only from the top quality fresh mussels at their peak condition. Full control is kept to ensure that the harvesting is done at the best times of year.
  • A number of tests are conducted to check the toxicity of Seatone. Toxicity is not detected even at higher doses.

Seatone is better than all the other treatments for Polymyositis because:

  • Seatone does not show any side effects. However the medicines used for the treatment of Polymyositis show numerous side effects.
  • Blood clot or infection can be caused by the surgeries performed for the treatment of Polymyositis. Whereas no such effect is observed with the treatment of Seatone.
  • Medicines for Polymyositis may provide you fast relief but it is generally temporary. However Seatone provides gradual but progressive relief.
  • Seatone is safe at higher doses also but the medications for Polymyositis as corticosteroids can cause adverse effects at higher doses.

Along with medicine following things will help you to manage better in the condition of Polymyositis:

  • Know about your illness: Try to read everything about Polymyositis and autoimmune and muscle disorders. Talk to other patients of Polymyositis and ask your doctor all the questions concerning your medical condition.
  • Be a part of medical team: Update your doctor about new symptoms you experience.
  • Know your limits: Ask for assistance whenever you need.
  • Take rest when tired: To maintain constant levels of energy take rest whenever you feel tired.
  • Recognize your emotions: Anger and frustration are very normal feelings in such medical conditions. Feelings of isolation and fear are common therefore remain connected to your family and friends. Enjoy your daily routine and never neglect relaxing activities.

Polymyositis cannot be prevented however after identifying its precise cause, preventative measures can be taken.

The prognosis of Polymyositis varies according to the severity of disease. The existence of Jo-1 antibody increases the risk of occurrence of inflamed tissues of the lungs. This can lead to permanent poor lung function.

Disclaimer : All information on this website is only for general educational purpose and it cannot substitute the consultation with a doctor. It is highly suggested that you seek advice from doctor to determine your requirements. Women who are in their gestation or lactation period and children should not take any supplement without the consultation of their doctor.