What are the early signs of rhabdomyolysis, and is it a serious condition?

Update Date: Source: Network

Rhabdomyolysis

Rhabdomyolysis is caused by the breakdown of muscle tissue due to various issues such as poisoning, high fever, or underlying diseases that lead to the dissociation or dissolution of striated muscle fibers. Whether rhabdomyolysis can be cured mainly depends on the severity of the disease. If the condition is severe, it can affect other organs in the body, posing a threat to life safety. Below, we will explore the early signs and severity of rhabdomyolysis.

Early Symptoms of Rhabdomyolysis

One of the earliest symptoms of rhabdomyolysis may be hematuria. This occurs because the breakdown of striated muscle cells releases myoglobin, which can block renal blood vessels and be excreted through the urine. In the later stages, myoglobin can block the filtration of the glomerulus, leading to acute renal failure and symptoms associated with renal dysfunction.

In general, the clinical manifestations of rhabdomyolysis include hematuria, muscle pain, coagulation disorders, and bleeding. However, the specific symptoms may vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause of the condition.

Severity of Rhabdomyolysis

The recovery from rhabdomyolysis depends on the patient's symptoms and severity. Mild cases may recover gradually, but if there is irreversible damage to kidney function, the treatment process can be prolonged and may even be incurable. If the severity of the condition affects all the striated muscles in the body, leading to involvement of various organs such as the kidneys and liver, the prognosis can be poor.

The key to preventing rhabdomyolysis is to enhance awareness and avoid various potential causative factors. Exercise should be gradual and progressive. Some people may engage in temporary physical activities, especially those with intense exercise such as long-distance running, without proper preparation, which can increase the risk of developing rhabdomyolysis. Therefore, special attention should be paid to this.

In addition, maintaining a regular and healthy lifestyle can also play a role in preventing rhabdomyolysis.

Treatment of Rhabdomyolysis

The causes of rhabdomyolysis are complex and can be triggered by many factors. According to research, there are over 190 acquired causes and more than 40 genetic-related causes. The treatment of rhabdomyolysis focuses on maintaining organ function. The first step is to eliminate the factors that cause rhabdomyolysis, such as drug factors, poisoning, high temperature, and heatstroke.

The second step is to maintain the function of organs. If rhabdomyolysis leads to liver and kidney dysfunction, it is necessary to perform maintenance measures to protect these organs. It should be noted that rhabdomyolysis is often a self-limiting disease, and the prognosis depends on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment.