Polymyositis is the inflammation of several muscle groups. The muscles in the shoulder area and pelvis are the most often affected. In this disease, patients usually have the following symptoms:
* weakness in the hips and shoulders,
* swelling and redness in the joints of the hands and ankles,
* chronic shortness of breath, even at rest, and
* problems swallowing.

If you have the above symptoms, but also have a rash, you may have dermatomyositis. Dermatomyositis is basically the same disease, but also with a red rash that can be anywhere on your body. Patients who get this disease are usually young women, between the ages of 23 and 60. Occasionally, children, ages 5 to 15 years of age are diagnosed with polymyositis.

Healthcare providers may suspect this disease if you report these symptoms and are in the right age group. Your provider may do the following tests to see if you have this disease:
* careful history and physical,
* lab tests,
* biopsy of the involved muscle area to check for inflammation, and an
* EMG, or electromyography, which is a test that looks at muscle strength and function.

If you are diagnosed with this disease, there are certain treatments that are available. These include:
* prednisone or other anti-inflammatory medications,
* ongoing physical therapy to prevent further weakness,

It is difficult to predict how people with this disease will do. Once diagnosed, they might:
* have a severe episode at the time of diagnosis, and then do well,
* have ongoing intermittent flares of the disease, but little progression,
* have a progressive, severe, and debilitating course.

Your healthcare provider can work closely with you to see how the disease should be managed. Occasionally, a rheumatologist is consulted to help manage this disease. Working together, this disease can be controlled.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go