COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT RHABDOMYOLYSIS ANSWERED BY HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING.
How fast does rhabdomyolysis occur?
Answered by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling
M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which there is significant muscle damage leading to high levels of muscle protein in the bloodstream. Causes include trauma, high intensity exercise (especially in hot weather with dehydration), or inflammation. Sometimes it’s caused by a prescription or illegal drug. While it typically develops over a day or two, it can occur more quickly. For example, among marathoners, rhabdomyolysis may develop within hours (even before the end of the race). The pace of the disease depends on its cause, how much muscle and how quickly it’s damaged, and how well the body (especially the kidneys) can handle the surging levels of muscle protein in the circulation.
What is rhabdomyolysis?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
When muscles are severely injured or inflamed, muscle cells burst and release their contents — proteins — into the bloodstream. It’s known as rhabdomyolysis. This can cause muscle weakness, soreness, and kidney failure when the proteins accumulate in the kidneys. If you catch this condition early enough, it’s possible to treat it by flushing out the toxic proteins with intravenous fluids. But it takes time to recover, and your muscles may be weaker after the breakdown.
→ Learn more about rhabdomyolysis: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
→ See more questions and expert answers related to rhabdomyolysis.
What is the treatment for rhabdomyolysis?
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle fibers. This releases a protein into the bloodstream that can damage the kidneys. People with rhabdomyolysis can have muscle pain and dark colored urine. The condition is treated with large amounts of intravenous fluids. This flushes the dangerous protein from the kidneys. Sometimes dialysis is necessary if the kidneys have stopped working.
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
2024-05-19T16:00:22Z dg43tfdfdgfd