Treatment of polymyositis and dermatomyositis: medications and lifestyle changes

Author:
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker

The treatment of the disease is non-pharmacological and pharmacological. It is not possible to completely cure it. Therefore, the therapy tries to relieve and prolong asymptomatic time periods, and increase muscle strength.

If treatment is not given or is neglected, irreversible damage to muscles, health and life-threatening may occur as a result.

Sufficient rest and minimising physical exertion and mental stress is important in case of inflammation. Physiotherapy and appropriate exercising, stretching, with professional guidance initially, are helpful.

Psychological support is important for patients of any age.

In cases of DM, protection against sunlight is important, too.

The aim of pharmacological treatment is to reduce inflammation, and thus immune activity and associated symptoms.

The following is used:

  • corticosteroids
  • methotrexate
  • immunosuppressive drugs, cyclosporine etc.
  • immunoglobulins
  • antibiotics for inflammatory complications
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Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Bc. Lukáš Tóth
Healthcare worker
The secondary medical school in Nitra gave me the basis for my career in the field of health and diseases. Thanks to it, I worked for 2 years in the traumatology clinic and outpatient clinic at the Nitra Hospital. Since 2006 I was employed in the emergency medical service, where I stayed until 2017. I completed my bachelor's degree at the University of Constantine the Philosopher in Nitra in the field of emergency health care. The bachelor's degree allowed me to continue my mission as a paramedic. In the meantime, I got a job at the emergency line 155. I have been working in pre-hospital health care until today. I had an interest in people, health and even diseases in my childhood, which gave me the prerequisite to pursue this topic in adulthood. Studying and acquiring new information in practice provided me with a great basis for writing professional texts, in the form of articles that can be understood by ordinary people. Thus, my interest in the Health Portal has a solid foundation in years of practice and personal interest. Similarly, I am also interested in healthy eating, nutrition and overall healthy lifestyle. I fill my free time with family and sports.
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