Rhabdomyolysis is a common condition that can be potentially life-threatening if it is not properly treated. This syndrome is the result of severe muscle cell damage and the release of toxic chemicals from damaged muscle tissue into the bloodstream. An accumulation of these toxic substances in the blood can lead to kidney failure and other serious health complications. The most harmful substance that is released from damaged muscle cells is a protein called myoglobin, which binds to iron and oxygen. High amounts of this protein in the bloodstream have been shown to cause kidney failure in the majority of patients who develop rhabdomyolysis. Electrolytes are additional chemicals that can be released into the blood and when this occurs a person may also suffer from electrolyte irregularities.
There are various causes of rhabdomyolysis, which include inherited diseases, exposure to toxins, medications, infections, muscle compression, and injuries, but a common cause of this condition is muscle overexertion. Rhabdomyolysis is a serious problem among individuals who are in the military due to the strenuous physical training that recruits must undergo, and long-term exposure to heat further increases the risks of developing this condition. More specifically, it has been observed that most individuals develop this condition at the beginning of their military training and that the risk increases among recruits who rapidly amplify their level of physical activity. Recruits who were not physically fit prior to the start of their training as well as those who previously lived in cool, dry climates were also more susceptible to this condition.
In other words, a combination of extreme physical exertion (e.g., fitness training), previous physical inactivity or an abrupt increase in physical activity, and high levels of heat and humidity can lead to heat-related muscle injuries that may progress into rhabdomyolysis. Although this condition is mainly the result of muscle tissue damage, subsequent kidney failure due to the exposure to toxic chemicals is the leading cause of disability and death in people who suffer from this syndrome.
*DISCLAIMER: These are not medical diagnosis or suggestions for any specific individuals. They are an overview of various conditions, treatments and topics discussed by New York Pain Management Group. If you would like to discuss your symptoms in greater detail, do not hesitate to contact the New York Pain Management Group. To learn more about treatment options for this and other pain conditions, contact us today at www.nopainny.com or call at 1-888-789-NOPAIN! We will be happy to assist you.