- Parents Home
- Para Padres
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Flu Center
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Newborn Center
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- Pregnancy Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- School & Family Life
- Sports Medicine Center
- Videos
- Kids Home
- Para Niños
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Feelings
- Getting Help
- Health Problems
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Heart Center
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Movies & More
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Q&A
- Recipes & Cooking
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Stay Safe Center
- Staying Healthy
- Staying Safe
- Videos
- Teens Home
- Para Adolescentes
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
A to Z: Myositis
Myositis (my-uh-SY-tis) is inflammation of the muscles that can be caused by many conditions and diseases that make muscles weak, swollen, and irritated.
More to Know
In all types of myositis, something causes the immune system to attack healthy muscle tissue. This can be due to infection, trauma, a drug reaction, or an autoimmune-related disease, and can cause muscle weakness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, myositis that affects neck or chest muscles can make it hard to swallow or breathe.
Myositis can range from mild to severe. Some cases cause only mild weakness and may go away on their own, especially if due to a viral infection. Other cases can make routine movements difficult and may cause long-term medical problems if left untreated.
Keep in Mind
There is no cure for myositis, but in most cases, treatment with rest, good fluid intake, and sometimes medications can limit the damage to muscle tissue and help increase strength. If myositis is due to an autoimmune disease, proper treatment can keep the disease under control.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.