CONDITION: Polymyositis

DESCRIPTION:
Polymyositis and dermatomyositis (PM-DM) are autoimmune neuromuscular diseases referred to as connective tissue diseases. In the family of myositis diseases, polymyositis and dermatomyositis can occur in all ages and both sexes, although they are more common in women. Also, the childhood disease is differentiated from the adult type. A recent study found that polymyositis affects approximately 120 women per million.

How do polymyositis and dermatomyositis develop?
Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are autoimmune diseases. In both conditions the immune system malfunctions and produces antibodies that attack healthy tissue in different parts of the body. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are classified as connective tissue diseases—disorders featuring abnormalities involving the collagen and elastin. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are characterized by painful inflammation and degeneration of the muscles. The weakness usually occurs in the shoulders and hips but can affect muscles symmetrically throughout the body. A skin rash on the face and upper chest area is present in dermatomyositis, distinguishing it from polymyositis. Researchers are linking cancer as a possible trigger to the disease, primarily in men.

What are the symptoms of polymyositis and dermatomyositis?
The main symptom of polymyositis is muscle weakness. The first muscles affected are usually in the hips and thighs, although any muscle in the body can be affected. It may be difficult to climb stairs, get dressed or get out of bed. There also is commonly pain in the joints between the bones. However, the joints are not usually warm or swollen, as with some other forms of arthritis. A deep red (almost purple) rash, usually on the face, scalp, neck and chest, appears with dermatomyositis. Finally, there may be coughing and shortness of breath, and some patients may have trouble swallowing.

Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of polymyositis and dermatomyositis but they do not address the root of the problem. Generally, by undergoing comprehensive natural medicine testing, the reasons the body is producing antibodies against itself can be found. Some of these reasons include sensitivities or allergies to foods, inhalants and chemicals and various infections.

Discover why we believe that natural medicine treatments are the best way to treat polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

Learn about the treatments for Polymyositis