What is dermatomyositis? The rare disease that Dangal actor Suhani Bhatnagar was suffering from

The untimely demise of Dangal star Suhani Bhatnagar has sent shockwaves across the nation. Suhani breathed her last at the age of 19 at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Hoursafter the news of her death broke, Suhani's parents spoke to the media revealing what happened to their daughter.

While talking to the media, Suhani's father Puneet Bhatnagar revealed that his daughter was suffering from an autoimmune disease called dermatomyositis.

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Suhani's father further shared that around two months back Suhani started getting swelling in her hands, and after a lot of checkups she was diagnosed with dermatomyositis.

''Two months ago, Suhani started getting swelling in her left hand. So, we got her checked by several doctors including a dermatologist and did several medical tests, but the doctors were not able to catch the disease. Then we took her to AIIMS hospital, where shewas diagnosed with dermatomyositis, and subsequently they admitted and started her treatment,'' he said.

Suhani's father said that due to her weak immune system, her body caught infection in the hospital.

He added, ''The only treatment for this disease is steroids. And after doctors started giving hersteroids, herimmunity became weak.And, soon her body caught an infection at the hospital and her health started deteriorating and gradually her body started filling with water. Due to this, the lungs got damaged and her respiratory system failed.''

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Suhani's mother said, "Suhani made all of us proud, and was pursuing a course in Mass Communication and Journalism.Suhani had a dream of becoming an actor and was planning to pursue it after completing her studies."

What is dermatomyositis?

Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory disease that causes inflammation of skin and even muscles. Certain symptoms of this disease include skin rashes, swelling, and muscle weakness.

As per Mayo Clinic, ''There's no cure for dermatomyositis, but periods of symptom improvement can occur. Treatment can help clear the skin rash and help you regain muscle strength and function.''

Who is Suhani Bhatnagar?

Suhani Bhatnagar rose to stardom after playing the role of young Babita Phogat in Aamir Khan starrer Dangal.

Aamir Khan's production house mourned her death, "We are deeply saddened to hear about our Suhani passing away. Our heartfelt condolences to her mother Poojaji, and the entire family. Such a talented young girl, such a team player, Dangal would have been incomplete without Suhani." The note ended with, "Suhani, you will always remain a star in our hearts May you rest in peace (sic)."