Why can polymyositis make swallowing difficult?

Polymyositis is a chronic, progressive inflammation of skeletal muscles that can lead to weakness, atrophy, and hardening of the affected tissue.12

Swallowing becomes difficult in patients with polymyositis when the disease affects the muscles of the esophagus and the larynx. Because these muscles are responsible for the mechanics of swallowing and speaking, their inflammation and subsequent degeneration impair their ability to function correctly. As the condition progresses, the involvement of these specific muscle groups can lead to persistent difficulty in swallowing, often alongside potential complications involving the lungs, heart, or gastrointestinal tract.12