Child myositis, more commonly referred to as juvenile myositis, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by long-lasting inflammation of the muscle tissues. This condition affects approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children under the age of 18 in the United States, according to the Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore. Children who develop myositis symptoms should receive further evaluation and treatment from a medical professional.
Muscle Weakness
The primary symptom associated with juvenile myositis is progressive muscle weakness, explains the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Muscle weakness can make it difficult for affected children to move about normally and may increase a child's risk of tripping or falling. These myositis symptoms can arise within any region of the body, including the legs, arms or back. As this disease progresses, certain children may lose the ability to walk without assistance.
Breathing or Swallowing Difficulties
Inflammation of the muscles along the respiratory and digestive tracts can cause breathing or swallowing difficulties in certain children, reports the Cure JM Foundation, a group that provides information and support to patients and families dealing with juvenile myositis. Breathing difficulties can limit a child's ability to engage in physical activities, such as soccer or gymnastics. A child who experiences difficulty swallowing may also have trouble eating or can develop a decreased appetite. If these child myositis symptoms occur, affected children should receive additional care from a pediatrician.
Skin Rash
A skin rash is a common symptom associated with a specific form of juvenile myositis called juvenile dermatomyositis. Children with this condition develop reddish-purple, irritated patches of skin across the body that may appear dry or flaky. These skin rash symptoms more frequently develop across the knees, ankles, elbows, knuckles or face, reports the Cure JM Foundation. Persistent skin rash symptoms should be discussed with an affected child's doctor as such signs can be indicative of alternate medical problems.
Swelling
Certain children can develop extensive swelling--a symptom called edema--throughout the tissues of the body, reports the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Swelling of the feet, ankles, wrists or hands can be uncomfortable and may affect a child's ability to move the enlarged body regions.
Calcinosis
Approximately one-third of patients with juvenile myositis develop calcinosis as a symptom of this inflammatory condition, according to the Cure JM Foundation. Calcinosis is a condition characterized by the presence of small, hard lumps of calcium beneath the skin or within the muscles. These bumps can protrude through the skin and may cause affected children to experience sensations of pain, swelling or tenderness at the damaged skin region. In certain cases, these calcium lumps may require surgical removal. A child who develops calcinosis should receive immediate medical care from a physician.
Flu-like Symptoms
Juvenile myositis can cause flu-like symptoms to emerge in certain children. These symptoms can include severe fatigue, fever, body aches, malaise, irritability or weight loss, report medical professionals at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Children who develop flu-like symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor as these myositis symptoms can be indicative of alternate medical problems.
