Myositis is a term given to a cluster of rare autoimmune conditions. It is a progressive, chronic inflammation of the muscles. Some myositis types cause skin rashes, while others can affect the ability of a person to swallow food. The condition can be managed with regular exercise and medications; however, figuring out the right treatment requires time.
The various types of myositis are as follows:
Ø Fatigue
Ø Muscle pain
Ø Joint inflammation and pain
Ø Weight loss
Ø Irregular heartbeat
Ø Chronic dry cough
Ø Trouble swallowing
Ø Muscle weakness
Ø Hoarse voice
Ø Thickening of the skin on hands
Ø Reduced deep tendon flexes
Ø Loss of balance
The hallmark of polymyositis is a progressive disease with symmetric involvement of proximal girdle muscles (shoulder and pelvis muscles) and neck flexors that can be painful at times.[2] Hip extensors can be involved in some patients making it difficult for them to climb stairs or to have posture change.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The exact reason for polymyositis is not known, but the disease has much in common with autoimmune conditions in which the immune system mistakenly starts to attack the body tissues. However, some experts believe myositis can be caused due to following:
The risk of polymyositis is higher if one has the following conditions:
The symptoms of myositis you are likely to experience are based on the type you have. Overall, the following is a comprehensive list of symptoms across the different myositis types.
Although there is no cure for myositis, management of the disease is crucial in order to reduce inflammation and to prevent muscle weakness from progressing. It is recommended to follow lifestyle changes so that an individual with myositis can restore his/her strength
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Complications that arise as a result of polymyositis include:
The trouble with swallowing can lead you to breathe liquids or foods, including saliva, into the lungs (aspiration), which leads to pneumonia
When the muscles in the oesophagus are affected, a person can experience problems with swallowing. The inability to eat properly can, over time, lead to malnutrition and unhealthy weight loss.
If the chest muscles are impacted by the disease, then a person can experience breathing issues such as respiratory failure or shortness of breath.
Diagnosing myositis can be tricky because the primary symptoms of the condition are fatigue and muscle weakness. Doctors may ask you to carry out any or a combination of the following tests:
The speciality of doctor who can diagnose and treat myositis- Rheumatologist
There is no specific medically approved course of treatment for myositis. Consult with your rheumatologist for the most appropriate treatment path for you. This can include immunosuppressants, physical activities, stretching, exercise and yoga to keep the muscles flexible and strong.
As of now, there isn’t any cure for myositis. The only way to treat it and keep symptoms on a low is with exercise and medications. Consult a doctor if you notice any usual symptoms and have patience with respect to your treatment. It is important to follow up regularly with a rheumatologist to avoid serious complications. You may also join support groups to know how other people are dealing with myositis.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Iron is an essential nutrient for growth and efficient bodily functions. The lack of iron in the body is called as anaemia or iron-deficiency anaemia. The body needs it to make a protein called haemoglobin. Low haemoglobin levels hamper the red blood cells from carrying oxygen to the body organs. If not checked in time the situation could deteriorate and stop the organs from functioning properly.
A healthy diet ensures that the body makes up for its iron needs. But if you have been feeling fatigued all the time, suffering from a poor appetite, and feeling a general sense of incapacity, you might need to get a blood test done. Women of child-bearing age, children and old people must be especially careful about their haemoglobin levels.
However, there are cases of Iron-Deficiency anaemia caused which are not linked to gender, lifestyle or even diet. They are as follows:
If you have been substituting your full meals with a soda and a sandwich, you need to sit up and read this. Fast food, apart from harming your waistline is hugely deficient in iron. A diet that doesn’t incorporate leafy greens, meats, eggs, fruits, and vegetables could be sending you an anaemic downward spiral. A regular supply of the above items in your food habits will keep your iron levels above the average and ensure high haemoglobin in the blood.
You might be supplying your body with all the iron-rich food, but if it is not absorbing it efficiently, it is a lost cause. Ensure that you compliment your iron-rich diet with some dose of Vitamin C in the form of a dash of lemon juice, an orange or some other citrus. Celiac disease could also cause iron-deficiency because it affects the intestine which is the site of iron absorption. Many people lose parts of their small intestine after facing gastrointestinal issues like colon cancer. They are bound to suffer from iron-deficiency anaemia.
Another important thing in children is that they have developmental delay and deficits in intelligence due to iron deficiency. It can easily be treated by Iron supplements.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Heavy periods can lead to severe iron-deficiency anaemia in women because of high blood loss. Women must ensure that they eat and stay healthy to make up for the monthly blood loss. Menstruation affects all women, not just those who are in the fertility window. Young girls in their attempt to have size zero figures cause irreparable damage to their systems by eating only certain kinds of food and that too in low quantities. Parent must get their daughters checked regularly for their haemoglobin levels. If you suspect your periods are heavier than usual, consult your gynaecologist. Apart from, peptic ulcer and colon cancer can also lead to iron-deficiency anaemia.
Iron is a mineral which is commonly implicated in the growth and development in the body and most importantly to make hemoglobin which is important to carry oxygen to the lungs and back. Thus, if you encounter any symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, it is critical to visit a physician and get yourself treated.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Many times, iron-deficiency anaemia can be because of pregnancy. The growing baby puts excessive demands on the mother’s biological system. Also, the pregnant woman’s blood volume increases to supply nutrients to the baby. Expectant mothers must supplement their diets with an iron capsule apart from eating iron-rich foods and iron-fortified cereal.
Also Read: Blackstrap Molasses: Uncovering Its Health Benefits and Uses
Anaemia symptoms and signs are easy to spot when they become more severe, but initially, you may not notice any changes. For those who are at a higher risk (pregnant women, elderly, those who have suffered blood loss) it is vital to be proactive and get your blood tested regularly. For others, you can watch for these anaemia symptoms and get tested if you notice one or more of them:
Also Read: How to Increase Iron Levels Quickly: Effective Strategies Backed by Research
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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