Dorothy FarrarMuscle inflammation (myositis)
Muscle inflammation (myositis) is when muscles of the skeletal system become diseased, i.e. inflamed . Myositis can be caused by pathogens (infections), tumors or allergies. A distinction is made between acute and chronic forms of muscle inflammation.
What is muscle inflammation (myositis)?
Muscle inflammation (myositis) is an inflammatory disease of the muscles. The doctor also speaks of myositis in this context. Different forms of myositis are distinguished. The most common are known as inclusion body myositis or dermatomyositis, and polymyositis.
In adults, inclusion body myositis is most common over the age of 50 years, although dermatomyositis is more common in the general population. The causes of muscle inflammation are very complex. Myositis can be congenital or caused by external influences (e.g. pathogens).
causes
There are various causes of muscle inflammation. On the one hand, it can be an infection caused by viruses , bacteria or parasites. The function of the immune system can often be impaired by an autoimmune disease.This can be due to allergies or environmental pollutants. The immune system tries to protect itself and forms antibodies that then attack the body’s own muscles. On the other hand, muscle inflammation can also be genetic. Susceptibility to this condition is often hereditary.
Athletes are particularly often affected by muscle inflammation. With them, certain muscles are very heavily used and their overload is usually not cured or treated but ignored and made worse with further training.
This gives bacteria ideal conditions to spread further in the inflamed muscle and increasingly damage it. Of course, muscle inflammation can also occur in people who are not athletes. In most cases, metabolic disorders, allergic reactions to medication or the weakening of the immune system as a result of an infection are the causes. Viruses and bacteria can easily penetrate the muscles .
symptoms and course
Typical symptoms of muscle inflammation:
At the beginning of a muscle inflammation, the affected person feels pain (limb pain) that is similar to that of a sore muscle . The pain is usually widespread and affects different muscle areas. A bluish-reddish coloring of the facial skin is also a typical sign of muscle inflammation. In addition, there is often general fatigue , loss of appetite and headaches. In addition, in the case of muscle inflammation, an elevated temperature or fever is not long in coming. So it begins in a similar way to a flu infection. However, if it is actually a muscle inflammation, the symptoms do not disappear after two to three weeks, but become steadily worse. Often the affected person also suffers from weight loss.
When to the doctor?
If symptoms such as muscle pain or overheating are noticed, muscle inflammation may be the cause. A visit to the family doctor is particularly necessary if the symptoms do not go away on their own or if they get worse within a short time. If there are functional restrictions or muscle weakness, it is best to consult the doctor immediately. People suffering from Raynaud’s syndrome should speak to their specialist doctor if they have any signs of myositis.
Athletes and people who are subject to a lot of physical strain at work also belong to the risk groups and should see a doctor quickly if they see the warning signs described. The doctor can determine the muscle inflammation based on a medical history and a physical examination and start treatment immediately. Depending on the cause, a check-up should be carried out weekly or daily during therapy. Otherwise, there may be spread of inflammation and other complications. In addition to the family doctor, an orthopaedist, a rheumatologist or a sports doctor can be consulted if myositis is suspected.
Diagnose
If the muscle pain lasts longer than 4 weeks, those affected should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Muscle inflammation can be diagnosed by means of a blood test and tissue samples (muscle biopsy). An increase in the enzyme creatine kinase (CK) in the muscle fibers or in the blood can indicate a disease. Electromyography (EMG) is a neurological examination method in which the nerve conduction speed and thus muscle activity can be assessed using needle electrodes.
complications
Muscle inflammation can lead to a sharp drop in physical performance. Due to the inflammation, the muscle is less stressed. Those affected are threatened with restricted mobility, unsteady gait and disruptions to general mobility.
Sporting and everyday activities can only be practiced to a limited extent. This can lead to mental and emotional stress. In addition to behavioral abnormalities, withdrawal from participation in social life or a depressive appearance can occur. In severe cases, there is a psychological sequelae.
The inflammation can spread further in the organism. The pathogens can be transported to other places via the muscle fibers and also cause symptoms there. Untreated muscle inflammation can lead to a chronic course of the disease. Those affected are threatened with permanent damage to the muscle fibers. The consequences are persistent muscle weakness and thus reduced resilience.
Body aches, increased body temperature, changes in the complexion and fatigue are further complications of muscle inflammation. Drug treatment can lead to side effects and a deterioration in the general condition. Disorders of the digestive tract, intestinal diseases and the formation of eczema can occur.
Being bedridden for a long time can weaken other regions of the body. This has a significant impact on the regeneration process.
treatment and therapy
If the reason for muscle inflammation is an autoimmune reaction described above, it must be treated over a longer period of time with drugs that prevent the functions and reactions of the immune system, because the immune system must be prevented from forming antibodies that are used against its own muscles will.
In principle, muscle inflammation, if it is an autoimmune disease, can be treated relatively well with cortisone preparations. However, the course of therapy varies greatly from patient to patient. In some cases, it can only take a few days, in others up to 6 weeks, until a significant alleviation of the symptoms occurs. Such treatment should be carried out under constant medical supervision so that side effects can be avoided or recognized.
There is a danger, for example, that the immune system cannot or only poorly defend itself against other harmful influences due to the administration of medication. However, if muscle inflammation has been caused by bacteria, treatment with antibiotics can be carried out.
If the symptoms do not subside despite cortisone therapy, or even worsen (progressive symptoms), the use of so-called immunosuppressants must be considered. However, these drugs also have a number of side effects that can severely limit daily life.
prevention
Measures to prevent muscle inflammation are mainly in the area of sparing the painful and overstressed muscle tissue . A healthy diet also plays an important role.Animal protein should be consumed in moderation, but arguably more importantly, limiting the consumption of grains containing gluten. This includes, for example, rye, wheat, barley and oats – but also sugar and of course ready meals, which contain many unhealthy preservatives.
In addition, the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is recommended, which are mainly found in fish, linseed and rapeseed oil. Plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables should also be consumed. Anti-inflammatory medicinal herbs or natural medicines can also prevent muscle inflammation.
outlook and prognosis
The prognosis of muscle inflammation is very different and must be assessed individually. In a large number of cases, the pathogens of the inflammation can be treated and treated well with the current medical options.
The complaints are prevented from further reproduction and killed in a drug treatment. The body’s immune system is supported and strengthened so that it can defend itself against pathogens.
The germs are then removed from the body and excreted. The damaged tissue and muscle fibers can gradually regenerate. After a few weeks, the patient can be discharged from treatment as cured, since mobility is fully restored and no sequelae occur.
If the person concerned is bedridden, there may be a weakening of the general muscles. This has to be built up again slowly, which leads to an extension of the healing phase.
With an autoimmune disease, the prognosis is less favorable. If there is an underlying condition that has a chronic course, the prospects for a full recovery are also less optimistic.
Therapy is aimed at relieving symptoms. In addition, the efforts of the doctors lie in a possible slowing down of the expected progression of the disease. The aim is to improve the patient’s quality of life for as long as possible, as recovery is unlikely.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.