Inclusion body myositis comes under the umbrella of inflammatory myopathies, a group of muscle diseases that involves inflammation of the muscles or associated tissues. This disease strikes elderly people of age above 45 to 50 whereas it is more common in men than women. This disease is considered fatal but with due time it becomes extremely chronic and troublesome.

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What is Inclusion Body Myositis?

Inclusion body myositis, generally abbreviated as IBM is a common inflammatory muscle disease. IBM causes inflammation and degeneration of muscles which outgrows painless weakening of muscle. Due to this disease, distal and proximal muscles of finger flexors and knee extensors are destructed.

In the case of IBM, the weakness strikes the sufferer in months and even years but in a progressive manner which leads to chronic weakness and rupture of arm and leg muscles.

In this condition, the sufferer tends to lose the ability to perform regular tasks and activities and would need assistive devices to run the errands.

The Inclusion body myositis is not considered as a fatal disease but risks of death are increased in case of malnutrition, respiratory problems and injury due to fall.

What are the Types of Inclusion Body Myositis?

There are generally two kinds of IBM which are enlisted below:

1. Hereditary Inclusion Body Myositis (hIBM):

It is also called IBM2. This kind of IBM is very rare which is not acquired by many. In fact, out of million people, only dozens of people get this disease.

2. Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis (sIBM):

This condition is a very common form of IBM. During this disease, two factors act parallel in the muscles which are degeneration and auto-immune.

What are the Symptoms of Inclusion Body Myositis?

Majorly, the symptoms are primarily visible when the hands start to shake and legs to tremble. The weakness in bones is visible after years or months of the occurrence of the disease. The possible symptoms of IBM are enlisted below.

• Incapability to grip, pinch, and button.
• A weakness of the wrist and finger muscles.
• Shrinking or wasting of the muscles of the forearms.
• Weakness and visible wasting of the quadriceps muscles.
• A weakness of the esophageal muscles.
• A weakness of other muscle groups as the disease progresses.
• Lower leg muscles, below the knees weakness.

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What are the Causes of Inclusion Body Myositis?

The major cause behind the occurrence of this disease is yet to discover. However, the doctors believe that due to the inflammatory factor of this disease, the autoimmune disorder can be one prime cause of this condition. Another proven hypothesis speaks, genes are the major factor that causes this disease which is the reason that IBM is considered a hereditary disease.

How is Inclusion Body Myositis Diagnosed?

After proper analysis of the symptoms and troubles encountered by the patient, the doctor might prefer a physical exam for analysis the levels of weakness which helps in analyzing the chronicity of the disease. Also, the blood test can be conducted for checking the creatine kinase levels in the blood which plays an important role in depicting the condition of muscles. For better and clear analysis, the doctor might conduct a muscle biopsy as well.

What are the Treatments for Inclusion Body Myositis?

There are no medical or surgical treatments present at this time for IBM. Whereas, few physical exercises and guidelines are recommended to the patient to improve the quality of life. The patients are asked to consume a good amount of protein and vitamins and perform stretching exercises to not lose the ability to perform physical tasks.

Conclusion:

The inclusion body myositis is not considered a life-threatening disease which is the reason that it is treated very ignorant manner. The patient must not treat the disease lightly as future consequences can potentially disrupt life. Also, a good diet should be maintained and regular exercising is the way to choose.

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