10 Polymyositis Symptoms

By errol

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Hunter, Kathy, and Michael G Lyon. 'Evaluation and Management of Polymyositis.' Indian Journal of Dermatology, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Sept. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3482800/
• 2. 'Polymyositis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12053-polymyositis
• 3. 'Dysphagia: Trouble Swallowing.' Myositis Support and Understanding, understandingmyositis.org/myositis-complications/dysphagia/
• 4. 'What Is Polymyositis?' Myositis Support and Understanding, understandingmyositis.org/myositis/polymyositis/
• 5. Polymyositis and Necrotizing Myopathy. NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), 26 Mar. 2020, rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/polymyositis/
• 6. 'Polymyositis.' Polymyositis - Better Health Channel, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/polymyositis#symptoms-of-polymyositis
• 7. April Chang-Miller, M.D. 'Polymyositis: Can It Affect My Lungs?' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyositis/expert-answers/polymyositis-and-lungs/faq-20058508
• 8. 'Cardiovascular Disease.' The Myositis Association, 17 May 2018, www.myositis.org/about-myositis/complications/cardiovascular-disease/
• 9. 'Polymyositis.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 July 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyositis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353208
• 10. Jakubaszek, Michał, et al. 'Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis as a Risk of Developing Cancer.' Reumatologia, Narodowy Instytut Geriatrii, Reumatologii, Rehabilitacji, Warszawie, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4847280/

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Polymyositis is part of a group of muscle diseases called inflammatory myopathies. Inflammation occurs within muscles and blood vessels that supply muscles with oxygen and nutrients. The exact cause of polymyositis hasn't been identified, but some evidence suggests it may be an autoimmune disorder.¹Hunter, Kathy, and Michael G Lyon. ‘Evaluation and Management of Polymyositis.’ Indian Journal of Dermatology, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Sept. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3482800/

The first symptoms of polymyositis usually appear between the ages of 30 to 50, although they can occur at any age. Approximately 1 out of every 100,000 people may develop some form of polymyositis, and the disorder is twice as common among women than men.¹Hunter, Kathy, and Michael G Lyon. ‘Evaluation and Management of Polymyositis.’ Indian Journal of Dermatology, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Sept. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3482800/

Muscle Weakness

Muscle weakness is the most recognizable symptom of polymyositis. Muscles close to the trunk of the body, the proximal muscles, are usually affected first. Proximal muscles include the hips, shoulders, thighs, upper arms, back and neck. Weakness may spread outward from the trunk to muscles in the lower arms, the legs and other areas.¹Hunter, Kathy, and Michael G Lyon. ‘Evaluation and Management of Polymyositis.’ Indian Journal of Dermatology, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, Sept. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3482800/

Symptoms usually occur slowly over 3 to 6 months, although muscle weakness may occur rapidly in some cases. People affected by polymyositis may struggle to climb stairs, get up out of a chair, lift objects or raise their arms above their heads.²‘Polymyositis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12053-polymyositis

Difficulty Swallowing

Polymyositis may cause weakened muscles in the throat and esophagus that lead to dysphagia, or trouble with swallowing. Chewing may be difficult or painful. The entrance to the trachea leading to the lungs should close off automatically during swallowing, but weakened muscles may not close the opening completely. This can cause choking and coughing during meals.³‘Dysphagia: Trouble Swallowing.’ Myositis Support and Understanding, understandingmyositis.org/myositis-complications/dysphagia/

Dysphagia may also cause excessive saliva production, heartburn, hoarseness or a constant feeling that something is stuck in the throat.³‘Dysphagia: Trouble Swallowing.’ Myositis Support and Understanding, understandingmyositis.org/myositis-complications/dysphagia/

Muscle Pain

Inflammation associated with polymyositis causes muscle pain and tenderness. Pain usually occurs during or after physical activity, but inactivity for long periods may also result in muscle soreness. A medical professional can help develop an exercise plan to accommodate individual symptoms.⁴‘What Is Polymyositis?’ Myositis Support and Understanding, understandingmyositis.org/myositis/polymyositis/

Weakness in one muscle group may lead to overuse of a different group of muscles to compensate. This may result in muscle pain due to overexertion, strain or injury.⁴‘What Is Polymyositis?’ Myositis Support and Understanding, understandingmyositis.org/myositis/polymyositis/

Joint Pain

Polymyositis causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Multiple joints on both sides of the body may be affected. Sometimes polymyositis is associated with mixed connective tissue disease, or MCTD.⁴‘What Is Polymyositis?’ Myositis Support and Understanding, understandingmyositis.org/myositis/polymyositis/

It's a disorder characterized as an overlap syndrome because people affected by MCTD may display symptoms of multiple diseases, including lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis and polymyositis. Other possible symptoms of MCTD include hair loss, rough and cracked skin on the fingers and a red rash.⁴‘What Is Polymyositis?’ Myositis Support and Understanding, understandingmyositis.org/myositis/polymyositis/

Fever

Polymyositis may be accompanied by a low-grade fever that comes and goes. An elevated body temperature may be part of an immune response to a perceived threat, and low-grade fevers are frequently associated with autoimmune disorders.⁵Polymyositis and Necrotizing Myopathy. NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), 26 Mar. 2020, rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/polymyositis/

Viral infections, such as the flu or the common cold, may trigger increased inflammation for some people with polymyositis. Potential symptoms include a sore throat, fever or increased fatigue and muscle aches. A fever may also cause chills, night sweats or muscle spasms.⁵Polymyositis and Necrotizing Myopathy. NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), 26 Mar. 2020, rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/polymyositis/

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of polymyositis. Some people describe a feeling of continuous exhaustion. People affected by polymyositis may feel extremely tired after completing daily chores or engaging in low levels of physical activity.⁶‘Polymyositis.’ Polymyositis - Better Health Channel, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/polymyositis#symptoms-of-polymyositis

Chronic fatigue may interfere with concentration and make it hard to complete tasks that require thinking and mental acuity. Fatigue may be aggravated by other symptoms, such as pain that interferes with restful sleep or muscle weakness that may make daily activities more strenuous and tiring.⁶‘Polymyositis.’ Polymyositis - Better Health Channel, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/polymyositis#symptoms-of-polymyositis

Respiratory Illness

Polymyositis may cause breathing problems if muscles in the throat and chest deteriorate. Dysphagia may lead to aspiration pneumonia if foods, liquids or saliva are inhaled into the lungs instead of swallowed correctly.⁷April Chang-Miller, M.D. ‘Polymyositis: Can It Affect My Lungs?’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyositis/expert-answers/polymyositis-and-lungs/faq-20058508

Another potential complication of polymyositis is interstitial lung disease. It may cause fibrosis, or scarring, in the lungs that leaves lung tissue stiff and rigid. Symptoms of interstitial lung disease include a dry cough and shortness of breath.⁷April Chang-Miller, M.D. ‘Polymyositis: Can It Affect My Lungs?’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyositis/expert-answers/polymyositis-and-lungs/faq-20058508

Heart Disease

Polymyositis may cause myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle. Myocarditis may cause scarring that interferes with nerve conduction in the heart. This can lead to an irregular heartbeat.⁸‘Cardiovascular Disease.’ The Myositis Association, 17 May 2018, www.myositis.org/about-myositis/complications/cardiovascular-disease/

Inflammation and scarring may also weaken heart muscle and reduce the heart's ability to pump blood throughout the body. Weak heart muscle contractions may lead to congestive heart failure, which is a condition that lets fluid accumulate in the lungs and other organs.⁸‘Cardiovascular Disease.’ The Myositis Association, 17 May 2018, www.myositis.org/about-myositis/complications/cardiovascular-disease/

Weight Loss

Polymyositis may cause weight loss for a variety of reasons. Fatigue, joint and muscle pain may discourage people from preparing and eating meals. Dysphagia makes eating and drinking difficult and may lead to poor appetite and dehydration.⁹‘Polymyositis.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 July 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyositis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353208

Respiratory issues, such as interstitial lung disease and weakened muscles, may contribute to weight loss because the body needs to use more energy to breath. Weight loss alone is not the only concern. Poor appetite and skipping meals may lead to malnutrition.⁹‘Polymyositis.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 1 July 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polymyositis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353208

Risk of Cancer

The link between cancer and polymyositis isn't entirely clear. Sometimes cancer may be an underlying cause or contributing cancer of polymyositis. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of adults diagnosed with polymyositis also develop cancer within 1 to 3 years.¹⁰Jakubaszek, Michał, et al. ‘Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis as a Risk of Developing Cancer.’ Reumatologia, Narodowy Instytut Geriatrii, Reumatologii, Rehabilitacji, Warszawie, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4847280/

Common cancers associated with polymyositis include non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and pancreatic, breast, cervical, ovarian, lung and bladder cancers. Another disorder called dermatomyositis shares many symptoms with polymyositis, and having both disorders may increase the risk of developing cancer.[[ 10]]