Autoimmune/Rheumatic

Myositis (Inflammatory Muscle Disease)

Myositis refers to any condition causing inflammation in muscles. The most common forms are polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and inclusion-body myositis. These conditions are autoimmune diseases in which the body's own immune system attacks healthy muscle tissue, resulting in inflammation, swelling, pain, and eventual weakness.

7

Symptoms

3

Causes

5

Treatments

1

Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Myositis (Inflammatory Muscle Disease). This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

AutoimmuneRheumaticPrevalence Available

Need Help?

Our specialists can guide you through symptoms and treatment options.

Book Appointment

24/7 Emergency: +91 1800-MEDICARE

Symptoms

  • Muscle weakness (typically proximal muscles)
  • Falling or tripping
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Skin rash (in dermatomyositis)
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Fever

Causes

  • Autoimmune process
  • Possible viral infection trigger
  • In rare cases, medications or cancer-associated

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests (CK, aldolase, ANA, myositis-specific antibodies)
  • EMG
  • MRI
  • Muscle biopsy

Treatment

  • Corticosteroids
  • Immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine)
  • IV immunoglobulin
  • Physical therapy
  • Biologic agents

Risk Factors

  • Age (40–60 for PM/DM, 50+ for IBM)
  • Female sex (PM/DM)
  • Autoimmune disease history

Prevention

  • No known prevention

Prevalence

Myositis affects approximately 50,000 people in the United States.