What is myositis, the condition Samantha Prabhu is diagnosed with?

When Samantha Ruth Prabhu took to Instagram and opened up about being diagnosed with myositis a few months back and posted an update about her medical condition on Saturday, the actress received an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues. Posting a picture of herself from a hospital, in her Insta post, Samantha shared, “A few months back I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called myositis. I was hoping to share this after it had gone into remission. But it is taking a little longer than I hoped. I am slowly realising that we don’t always need to put up a strong front. Accepting this vulnerability is something that I am still struggling with. The doctors are confident that I will make a complete recovery very soon. I have had good days and bad days…. and even when it feels like I can’t handle one more day of this, somehow that moment passes. I guess it can only mean that I am one more day closer to recovery. I love you. This too shall pass (sic).”

‘IT REFERS TO THE INFLAMMATION OF THE MUSCLE’
Samantha’s recent health update left many wondering what myositis is. Doctors say that it refers to the inflammation of the muscle. Dr Santosh Kumar Agrawal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, at a Faridabad hospital, says, “Myositis is an autoimmune condition in which patient’s muscles get attacked by its own immune system. It usually affects arms, shoulders, legs, hips, abd o m e n a n d s p i n a l muscles. Symptoms include fever, weight loss, joint pain, fatigue and muscle pain.” “In the initial stages, the person with the condition experiences difficulty in walking, but more than that, they face difficulty in getting up from a sitting position or changing sleeping positions in bed. If not treated in time, it can also affect other muscles in the body. Patients may also have difficulty in swallowing solid food. The condition can also affect the respiratory system if not attended on time and can even lead to breathing problems,” shares Dr Maj Gen DS Bhakuni, Consultant, Rheumatology at a Dwarka hospital.

‘EVEN VIRAL INFECTION CAN TRIGGER MYOSITIS’
Even a common viral infection like cough and cold can trigger some types of myositis. “Apart from that, certain bacteria and some cardiovascular drugs can trigger muscle myositis. There is no way to prevent myositis. It is an autoimmune disorder, where the actual cause is not clear. Therefore, it is impossible to prevent this condition,” points out Dr Bhakuni.

‘WOMEN SHOULD PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE INITIAL SIGNS’
Experts say this condition is more prevalent among women. “As soon as women experience any weakness in the thigh or shoulder muscles and are unable to get up from a normal sitting position, they must immediately see a rheumatologist, who deals with these types of autoimmune conditions,” suggests Dr Bhakuni, assuring that the condition is treatable.