Polymyositis is a disease in which muscles get inflamed. During polymyositis, the white blood cells of the body itself attack the fibers in muscles. Thus, fibers in the muscles are damaged which gives rise serious effects. It can occur in any age group. However, in most of the cases it has been found that this disease arises during childhood and then it grows as the time passes by. It has been found that females are more prone to this disease than males.

The most common symptom of polymyositis is weakness, which is minor initially, but later it can progress into a serious one. Weakness becomes evident during the adult hood when the patient feels fatigue while doing the simple activities as walking, or standing after sitting at a place for a long time. It is referred to as a chronic disease. The symptoms occur in a periodic mode. There is a time when they are gravest and then they again relapse. The time when they are at the upper limit is called ‘flare’ and the time when they relapse is called ‘remission’.

In some cases, polymyositis is associated with rashes on the skin. Such a condition is then called dermatomyositis. However, the other parts or areas in the body as well can be affected by it.

The cause because of which the immune system of the body attacks the muscle fibers is not known until now. However, it is believed that it can occur due to genetic mutations. Moreover, it has been suspected that one subtype of polymyositis is caused by a virus but it has not been possible to isolate or identify the virus.

In the later stages, diagnosis is simple as the damaged muscles are easily observable under the microscope. However, it is important to diagnose polymyositis during the initial stages. Diagnosis during the initial stages will involve use of microscope, or electromyography, or muscle biopsy and studying the signs and symptoms.

The treatment of polymyositis involves use of drugs like glucocorticoids. The most commonly used drug is prednisone. However, research is going on to find out drugs that will inhibit the immune system to attack the muscles. Treatment also involves relief measures to relieve the patient from the symptoms as weakness, etc.

After polymyositis is diagnosed, it is possible to cure most of its symptoms. It is not possible to completely, cure it at this movement. However, it can be kept under control.