Disease or Syndrome
myositis
my·o·si·tis
Subclass of:
Myopathy
Etymology:
Greek myo- (combining form of mys = a mouse or a muscle), and -itis = inflammation.
Definitions related to myositis:
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A general term for inflammation of the muscles without respect to the underlying cause.Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2025
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An inflammatory process affecting the skeletal muscles. Causes include infections, injuries, and autoimmune disorders.NCIU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Myositis means inflammation of the muscles that you use to move your body. An injury, infection, or autoimmune disease can cause it. Two specific kinds are polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Polymyositis causes muscle weakness, usually in the muscles closest to the trunk of your body. Dermatomyositis causes muscle weakness, plus a skin rash. Other symptoms of myositis may include: Fatigue after walking or standing; Tripping or falling; Trouble swallowing or breathing. Doctors may use a physical exam, lab tests, imaging tests and a muscle biopsy to diagnose myositis. There is no cure for these diseases, but you can treat the symptoms. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are first treated with high doses of a corticosteroid. Other options include medications, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy, assistive devices, and rest. NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeMedlinePlus GeneticsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Inflammation affecting the skeletal muscles.NICHD Pediatric TerminologyU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Inflammation of a muscle or muscle tissue.NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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Inflammation of skeletal muscle.CRISP ThesaurusNational Institutes of Health, 2006
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Myositis means inflammation of the muscles that you use to move your body. An injury, infection, or autoimmune disease can cause it. Two specific kinds are polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Polymyositis causes muscle weakness, usually in the muscles closest to the trunk of your body. Dermatomyositis causes muscle weakness, plus a skin rash. Other symptoms of myositis may include: Fatigue after walking or standing; Tripping or falling; Trouble swallowing or breathing. Doctors may use a physical exam, lab tests, imaging tests and a muscle biopsy to diagnose myositis. There is no cure for these diseases, but you can treat the symptoms. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are first treated with high doses of a corticosteroid. Other options include medications, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy, assistive devices, and rest. NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeMedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
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A disorder characterized by inflammation involving the skeletal muscles.Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse EventsU.S. National Institutes of Health, 2021
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Myositis, inflammation, and frequently infection, of muscle tissue; it may be caused by any of a number of bacteria, viruses, and parasites; in many cases it is of unknown origin. Most inflammatory muscle diseases are destructive to the tissue involved and to the surrounding areas. They may occur...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
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