Guide To Dermatomyositis Complications And Related Conditions

Issues Swallowing

There are numerous reasons why an individual may have issues swallowing, as it is not something specific to dermatomyositis. Healthy individuals have certain muscles responsible for the function of swallowing foods and liquids. However, individuals with dermatomyositis are known to experience progressive weakening of their muscles, which may include the muscles that control swallowing. Dermatomyositis patients who have issues swallowing are at an increased risk of developing a serious infection referred to as aspiration pneumonia. Food or liquid particles can easily go down the windpipe and get into the lungs instead of going down the esophagus and into the stomach. Because dysphagia in affected individuals makes it harder to eat and drink, they may become dehydrated and or malnourished. Lack of adequate nutrition can easily result in unintentional weight loss in affected individuals.

Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung disease is used to describe multiple disorders that affect an individual's lungs. The interstitial space in an individual's lungs is where the inhaled oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. Because dermatomyositis patients experience inflammation in the soft tissues around their body, the tissues inside of the lungs can easily become swollen and inflamed. When this inflammation in affected individual goes untreated, scarring or fibrosis begins to form in the lung tissues. Because scar tissue is thicker and denser than normal tissue, the interstitial spaces of the lungs can easily become functionally impaired. This mechanism causes the affected individual to experience respiratory symptoms, including breathlessness, sputum-producing cough, and a dry cough. Respiratory distress is a common manifestation in individuals with dermatomyositis who develop interstitial lung disease.