Rhabdomyolysis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prevention & More

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Rhabdomyolysis

What is Rhabdomyolysis?Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition caused by direct or indirect muscle damage. As a result, there is the death of muscle fiber and the contents are released into the bloodstream that can lead to complications such as renal failure. The death may be the consequence in very rare cases if prompt treatment is not given. There are mainly 2 Types of rhabdomyolysis:

Traumatic rhabdomyolysis – This results from crush syndrome. Direct or indirect prolonged compression of limbs destroys the tissue and leakage of cellular contents.
Exertional rhabdomyolysis – Excessive, prolonged, and repetitive exercise results in this condition that can lead to hospitalization. Consequences are renal failure, heart arrhythmias, and clotting of blood.

Rhabdomyolysis SymptomsIn the initial stage, the symptoms will be very difficult to identify and they might mimic other conditions. The rhabdomyolysis symptoms may include the following:

Fatigue
Fever
Muscle weakness
Soreness
Bruising
Low urine output
Infrequent urination
Dark tea-colored urine
Feeling sick
Nausea
Vomiting
Agitation
Confusion
Abdominal pain
Rapid heart rate
Dehydration

Who is at Risk?People obsessed with exercises are at high risk of developing Exertional rhabdomyolysis. The other rhabdomyolysis risk factors include:

Extreme weather conditions like hot and humidity
Dehydration
Muscle overexertion
Muscle compression
Alcohol abuse
Drug abuse
Certain medications and toxic substances

Excessive use of any of the above-mentioned factors serves as a reason for rhabdomyolysis.Rhabdomyolysis CausesThis condition is always associated with muscle injury or damage due to 3 reasons – physical, chemical, or genetic causes. The possible rhabdomyolysis causes may include the following:Rhabdomyolysis triggered by heat, exertion, and trauma:

An injury caused when something heavy falls on you.
A third-degree burn
A heart stroke
A lightning strike
Blocked blood vessels
Severe shivering
Ischemic limb injury
Car accident
Pathological muscle exertion
Intense exercise like marathon running

Some may develop this condition due to genetic factors and metabolic conditions. They are:

Impaired fat and lipid metabolism
Impaired carbohydrate metabolism
Impaired metabolism of purines present in some of the foods.
Electrolyte imbalance
Hypothyroidism
Diabetic ketoacidosis

Genetic conditions that trigger rhabdomyolysis includes the following:

Carnitine deficiency
McArdle’s disease
Lactate-dehydrogenase deficiency
Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Infection and Inflammation could be the cause of rhabdomyolysis such as:

Viral infections
Bacterial infections
Polymyositis
Dermatomyositis
Snakebites

How is Rhabdomyolysis Diagnosed?Most of the rhabdomyolysis doctor will first analyze the patient's medical history and check for injuries, overexertion, medications, and other medical and genetic conditions. To confirm the rhabdomyolysis diagnosis, there may be urine and blood tests performed. These rhabdomyolysis tests will help to detect the muscle and kidney health of the patient. They are:

If there is an injured bone and muscles, there might be a potassium leak.
Creatine kinase enzyme found in skeletal muscles, heart, and brain.
Myoglobin, a by-product of muscle break down found in blood and urine.
Creatinine in blood and urine, which is normally removed by kidneys.

Elevated levels of any of these substances will be the sign of muscle injury or damage.How is Rhabdomyolysis Treated?Depending on the severity of the condition, symptoms, causes, and other medical complications, a nephrologist will decide on rhabdomyolysis treatment. The doctor may choose to go with fluid recovery, medications, or dialysis.Fluid recovery through intravenous fluid therapy will help to rehydrate and flush out any myoglobin present in the bloodstream. The doctor may prescribe rhabdomyolysis drugs to help in kidney functioning. In severe cases, the doctor will opt for dialysis to remove waste products.For a rhabdomyolysis cure, you can start your search through Care. Fit to find a well-qualified and efficient doctor. They are one of the leading healthcare providers in India with all speciality doctors on the panel. They provide the most credible and secure treatments for any medical condition in the most economical way. Since they have their presence in all the major cities, you won't face any difficulty locating a branch nearby to you. Once you figured out this, you can send a WhatsApp message to book an appointment and wait for confirmation. Meantime make sure to get ready with necessary medical reports and test reports to share with your doctor.How can Rhabdomyolysis be Prevented?The simplest and easiest way to prevent this condition is to stay hydrated, avoiding prolonged immobilization, and overexertion. Other tips for the prevention of rhabdomyolysis include the following:

Seek training from a professional while attempting for a marathon or running
Gradually increase the work out intensity and frequency.
Avoid taking dietary supplements that contain high levels of caffeine, creatine, ephedrine, etc to gain muscles, or to lose weight, or improve performance.
Knowing your own body while doing exercises to limit the workout to a comfortable level.
Treating the risk factors on time
Seeking immediate medical attention soon after the symptoms are visible

All these steps can prevent the occurrence of rhabdomyolysis to a large extend.

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