Myositis: Symptoms

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This information was reviewed and approved by Liudmila Kastsianok, MD, RhMSUS (10/1/2018).

What are Some of the Symptoms of Myositis?

As an autoimmune disease that mostly targets muscles, myositis most obvious symptoms manifest themselves in muscle fatigue and pain. The disease may have many other symptoms. Common symptoms of myositis include:

  • Muscle weakness

  • Muscle pains

  • Rashes

  • Fatigue

  • Weight loss

  • Low-grade fevers

  • Arthritis

  • Color changes of hands and feet with cold exposure (known as Raynaud’s)

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Heartburn

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath

 

Are There any Other Effects or Concerns?

Studies have shown that people with myositis have a higher risk of developing different types of cancer. The vast majority of people with myositis do not develop cancer. It is important to be aware of this association and perform age-appropriate cancer screening.


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