Polymyositis and Glyconutrients
Polymyositis is one of a group of muscle diseases (inflammatory myopathies) that involve inflammation of the muscles or associated tissues, the inflammatory cells of the immune system attack the blood vessels that supply muscles and skin. The inflammatory myopathies are a group of muscle diseases that involve inflammation of the muscles or associated tissues, such as the blood vessels that supply the muscles. A myopathy is a muscle disease, and inflammation is a response to cell damage. Another term for inflammatory myopathy is myositis
There are three predominant types of inflammatory myopathy:
- polymyositis. Polymyositis is a disease in which the inflammatory cells of the immune system directly attack muscle fibres.
- dermatomyositis. Dermatomyositis is a disease in which the inflammatory cells attack the small blood vessels that supply muscles and skin.
- inclusion-body myositis. Includion-body myositis is a disease of older people that appears to be partly inflammatory and partly a degenerative muscle disease
The cause of inflammatory myopathy is unclear. For some unknown reason the body's immune system turns against its own muscles and damages muscle tissue in a autoimmune response. It is possible that a virus or certain prescription drugs might be a trigger
Polymyositis causes varying degrees of decreased muscle power. The disease is gradual in onset and generally begins in the second decade of life, rarely affecting people under the age of 18. The most common symptoms are muscle weakness, with the muscles closest to the body trunk the most affected. Eventually people have difficulty rising from a seated position, climbing stairs, lifting objects or reaching overhead. Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) may occur and in some patients, the muscles ache and are tender to touch.
Polymyositis may occur in conjunction with other collagen, vascular, autoimmune or infectious disorders. It is considered an autoimmune reaction in which the body's own immune system attacks the muscle cells causing breakdown of muscle. This breakdown causes inflammation and tenderness.
Polymyositis is one of several autoimmune diseases that show the same profile - a lack of dietary sugars - the inability to absorb them - or abnormalities in their structures. For patients with polymyositis, glyconutrient supplementation can provide benefits. It seems likely that supplementation with glyconutrients may provide an effective preventative measure for autoimmune diseases. For all people, not just those with polymyositis, glyconutrients support the body's ability to heal, repair, regenerate, regulate and protect itself.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this medical condition section is strictly educational and not intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of medical disorders, consult your health care professional.
Copyright 2005 Glyconutrients Reference - Last Updated May 2005
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