Myositis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of muscles.

 

Myositis is suspected if one or more of these symptoms are present 

• Muscle weakness – difficulty in getting up from sitting or climbing stairs, difficulty in lifting weight 

• Rashes over face, upper back or hands

• Muscle pain and fatigue 

• Unexplained fever or weight loss 

• Pain, swelling or stiffness of joints 

• Fingers turning blue in winters or with cold exposure 

• Dry cough or breathlessness

 

Why treat myositis early?

• Proper treatment improves muscle weakness and myositis patients are able to live a normal, productive life 

• If left untreated, myositis can cause weakness of muscles that help in breathing, and this can be life threatening

• Lung disease (interstitial lung disease) commonly co-exists with myositis and requires specific treatment to prevent progression

 

Which doctor to consult for Myositis treatment?

A Rheumatologist is the best specialist for management of myositis. As myositis affects various organ systems and requires long term treatment with immunosuppression, a rheumatologist id the most qualified person to monitor and treat the effects of this disease in various organ systems. 

 

How is myositis treated?

Depending on disease severity, treatment of myositis involves use of steroids, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide injections and rituximab injections. Your rheumatologist will determine the treatment plan unique to your disease manifestations and also discuss the long-term monitoring and management with you.