1. What is inflammatory myositis?

Inflammatory myositis is a group of autoimmune diseases causing inflammation and weakness of the muscles. Major forms include dermatomyositis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, antisynthetase syndrome-associated myositis, and other inflammatory myopathies.

2. What are the common symptoms of myositis?

The most characteristic symptom is progressive muscle weakness, particularly around the shoulders and hips. Patients may have difficulty climbing stairs, rising from a chair, lifting objects, or raising their arms above their head.

3. Can myositis affect the skin?

Yes. Dermatomyositis can cause characteristic skin rashes involving the face, eyelids, knuckles, chest, back, or other areas. Skin manifestations may occasionally occur before significant muscle weakness develops.

4. Can myositis affect the lungs?

Yes. Some forms of inflammatory myositis can cause interstitial lung disease (ILD), which may lead to cough or breathlessness. Lung involvement is particularly important in patients with certain autoantibodies and requires appropriate screening.

5. Can myositis cause difficulty swallowing?

Yes. Weakness or inflammation of muscles involved in swallowing can cause difficulty swallowing, choking, or coughing while eating. Significant swallowing problems require prompt assessment because they can increase the risk of aspiration.

6. How is myositis diagnosed?

Diagnosis may involve muscle enzymes such as CK, autoantibody testing, electromyography, MRI, and sometimes muscle or skin biopsy. The investigations required depend on the patient's symptoms and suspected type of myositis.

7. Is myositis associated with cancer?

Certain forms of inflammatory myositis, particularly some types of dermatomyositis, are associated with an increased risk of malignancy. Cancer screening is individualized according to age, symptoms, myositis subtype, and other risk factors.

8. Is inflammatory myositis curable?

The course varies depending on the type of myositis. Many patients can achieve substantial improvement or remission with appropriate treatment, although some require long-term therapy and monitoring.

9. How is inflammatory myositis treated?

Treatment may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressive medicines, intravenous immunoglobulin, or targeted/biologic therapies in selected patients. Physiotherapy and carefully planned exercise are important for restoring muscle strength and function.

10. Can patients with myositis exercise?

Yes. Appropriately supervised exercise is generally beneficial once disease activity is adequately controlled. Strengthening and aerobic exercises can improve muscle function, endurance, and overall health, with the programme tailored to disease severity.