Polymyositis: Overview
Polymyositis is an uncommon inflammatory disease characterized by progressive weakness of muscles over a period of time. It is a chronic condition in which muscle weakness affects both sides of the body. The muscle weakness results from inflammation of the muscle fibers because of which the arteries and blood vessels passing through muscle are adversely affected.
Polymyositis is a disease of muscle categorized under a group of ailments called 'Inflammatory myopathies.' Besides Polymyositis, this group of diseases commonly includes ailments like Dermatomyositis, Inclusion body myositis, and Necrotizing autoimmune myopathy. All these diseases are marked by inflammation of muscles, as well as muscle weakness and muscle pain.
The muscle inflammation, and subsequent muscle weakness, which characterizes Polymyositis results from a spontaneous attack on the muscles by the immune cells of inflammation --- the white blood cells. Typically, Polymyositis affects the muscles close to the trunk or torso --- the shoulders, neck, upper back, upper arms, hips, and thighs.
If Polymyositis is left untreated, the progressive muscle weakness over time can lead to severe complications for the patients. The weakening muscles can cause frequent falls, and restrict day-to-day activities. In addition, weakened muscles can also trigger respiratory problems and cause severe disability.
Polymyositis generally affects people aged between 30 and 60 years; with women at a comparatively higher risk of the disease as compared to men.
The risk of Polymyositis is also usually high for people suffering from viral infections like HIV, and those affected by autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Scleroderma, and Sjogren's syndrome. Furthermore, some of the other conditions associated with Polymyositis are Raynaud's phenomenon, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and interstitial lung disease.
Polymyositis: Causes
The exact cause of Polymyositis is not clearly known. Doctors believe that the disease activates an autoimmune process in which the immune system of the body invades the muscles and damages the muscle tissue. Some of the possible causes that can lead to Polymyositis are:
- Genetic factors that can put a person at a potential risk of developing ‘Inflammatory myopathies’
- Exposure to certain drugs, especially those prescribed for the treatment of cancer, thyroid, hepatitis, ulcers, or seizures
- Viruses like the HIV virus, the HTLV-1 virus, and Coxsackie B virus.
Polymyositis: Symptoms
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of Polymyositis are:
- Muscle weakness, especially in the upper arms, shoulders, abdomen, and hips
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Joint pain
- Stiffness in joints
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Difficulty in lifting the arms over the head or extending the knees
- Difficulty in carrying/lifting things, going up and down the stairs, or rising from a chair
- Breathlessness
- Problems with eating and swallowing food
- Irregular heart rhythms (if inflammation affects the heart muscle)
- Breathing or respiratory problems (if inflammation affects the lung tissues themselves).
Polymyositis: Treatment
According to Modern Medical System:
Polymyositis can be managed through various treatment methods, depending on the age and general health of the patients and the severity of the disease. The different treatments for Polymyositis include anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medicines, physical exercises, heat therapy, rest, and the use of special devices like braces for supporting muscles and facilitating movement.
According to Ayurveda:
The symptoms of Polymyositis can also be effectively managed with the help of Ayurvedic medications. The treatment of Polymyositis, in accordance with Ayurvedic guidelines, works at two levels: (1) controlling the progress of the disease, and (2) managing the symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and pain.
Herbal Remedies for Polymyositis by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda herbal manufacturing company offers some extremely beneficial herbal remedies such as Ashwagandha Capsules, Yograj Guggul, Boswellia Curcumin and Shilajit Capsules for managing the symptoms of Polymyositis in a safe and natural manner. These herbal remedies are prepared under the guidance of renowned Ayurveda experts. For the preparation of these products, 100% pure and natural herbs are used.
Herbal Remedies for Polymyositis
1. Ashwagandha Capsules
Standardized extract of 'Ashwagandha' herb (Withania somniferum) is used for preparing these capsules. The potent herb has immense medicinal significance due to its anti-inflammatory actions.
People suffering from Polymyositis can benefit from the use of Ashwagandha capsules because of the herb's proven ability to manage inflammation, enhance mental health, improve brain function, support nerve functions, improve heart health, strengthen the muscles, reduce metabolic imbalances, alleviate hypertension, rejuvenate the body, and balance Vata and Pitta doshas.
2. Yograj Guggul
The preparation of these tablets involves the use of combination of several beneficial herbs, with Shuddh Guggulu herb (Commiphora mukul) as the base. Along with Guggulu and other natural ingredients, the herbs combined for preparing these tablets include Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Mustaka (Citrus rotundus), Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Pippali (Piper longum), Karavi (Piper chaba), Devdaru (Cedrus deodara), Ela (Eletteria cardamomum), Ardraka (Zingiber officinale), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Patra (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Yavani (Trachyspermum ammi), Ajamoda (Trachyspermum roxburghianum), Kushta (Saussurea lappa), and Dhanyaka (Coriander).
The use of these tablets is beneficial for managing Polymyositis symptoms because of the ability of the herbal ingredients to treat Arthritis, support healthy muscles, maintain healthy metabolism, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, maintain Vata balance, and treat diseases which affect joints, bones, and bone marrow.
3. Boswellia Curcumin
Two potent anti-inflammatory herbal ingredients -- Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa) -- are combined for preparing these capsules. The Shallaki herb is known for its benefits in fighting inflammation, while Curcumin is considered an excellent antioxidant.
Polymyositis symptoms can be managed with the help of these capsules because of the combined ability of Shallaki and Curcumin to support healthy functioning of joints, improve the biochemical structure of cartilage, increase blood supply to joint tissue, manage inflammation, and maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
4. Shilajit Capsules
The preparation of these capsules involves the use of standardized extract of 'Shilajit' (Asphaltum), which is considered an excellent adaptogen, restorative, rejuvenative, and 'Rasayana'. Owing to its proven medicinal significance, Shilajit can prevent several diseases.
The use of Shilajit capsules is beneficial for managing Polymyositis symptoms because the capsules can strengthen the muscles, improve the metabolism, rejuvenate brain cells, relieve mental and physical stress, increase stamina, purify the blood, and eliminate toxins from the body.
Conclusion
Planet Ayurveda's herbal products for managing Polymyositis are completely safe to use because they do not contain any chemicals, additives, preservatives, fillers, binders or artificial colors. However, it is advised that Polymyositis patients should use these products in consultation with an experienced Ayurveda practitioner.
FAQs
Q1. Can Polymyositis pose difficulty for patients even in making simple movements?
Ans: Yes. Polymyositis can make even simple movements difficult for patients because muscle inflammation can progressively weaken the muscles.
Q2. Can Polymyositis affect swallowing and breathing?
Ans: Yes. Polymyositis can affect swallowing and breathing if the muscles of the esophagus or chest get inflamed.
Q3. What does Polymyositis treatment aim at?
Ans: Polymyositis treatment chiefly aims at managing the symptoms of the disease.
Q4. Is Polymyositis a contagious disease?
Ans: No. Polymyositis is not a contagious disease.
Q5. How long does it take for Polymyositis symptoms to get better with treatment?
Ans: If treated properly, Polymyositis symptoms can improve within 4-6 weeks.
Q6. Which muscles are most affected by Polymyositis?
Ans: The muscles most affected by Polymyositis are the skeletal muscles (the muscles which facilitate movements) on both sides of the body.
Q7. Can muscle inflammation in Polymyositis extend throughout the body?
Ans: Yes. As Polymyositis progresses, muscle inflammation can extend throughout the body, with pain and weakness affecting various body parts.
Q8. Can Polymyositis make it difficult for patients to perform day-to-day activities?
Ans: Yes. Polymyositis can make it difficult for patients to perform day-to-day activities.
Q9. Is exercise an important part of Polymyositis treatment?
Ans: Yes. Exercise is an important part of Polymyositis treatment because it can strengthen the muscles.
Q10. Does Polymyositis increase the risk of bone fractures?
Ans: Yes. Polymyositis increases the risk of bone fractures because of progressive muscle weakness.
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