Rhabdomyolysis leads to various complications, including kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, and even death
A fitness lover who thought she had sore muscles after an intense workout session found out she had a deadly condition that was breaking down her muscles and turning her urine into ‘Cola.’ For 41-year-old Gemma Underwood, it was an extremely painful exercise session that left her in the hospital for five days with an IV fluid and catheter while she was unable to move her upper body.
Doctors diagnosed her with rhabdomyolysis - a condition where damaged skeletal muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, releasing its contents into the bloodstream. This leads to various complications, including kidney damage, electrolyte imbalances, and even death.
“I first noticed something was off when I couldn’t move my upper body to get out of bed the next morning. I thought I’d just overdone it a bit at karate, but the pain was disproportionate to the workout. I always get slightly sore muscles after exercise but certainly not as intense,” said Gemma. “When I noticed my urine was very dark, I looked online and I was alerted to the condition rhabdomyolysis. It’s something that can happen to anyone, and what doctors said was that I wasn’t hydrated enough while doing an intense workout. I should have been drinking more water before,” she added.
Doctors say Gemma needs to take a lot of rest and drink plenty of fluids, as her recovery can take months. Despite being out of danger, Gemma said her muscles are still sore and the experience has left her feeling drained.
What is rhabdomyolysis?
According to experts, rhabdomyolysis causes your muscles to disintegrate, leading to the death of muscles as toxic components of your muscle fibres enter your circulation system and kidneys, leading to organ damage.
This dangerous muscle condition results from overexertion, trauma, medications, or an underlying health condition.
Signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis
A few signs and symptoms of rhabdomyolysis include:
- Muscle swelling
- Weak muscles
- Tender and sore muscles
- Dark pee that is brown, red, or tea-coloured
Symptoms of rhabdomyolysis range from mild to severe and usually develop one to three days after a muscle injury, though some people may not even notice muscle soreness. Doctors say a few people also experience:
- Extreme dehydration
- Less urination and change in the colour of pee
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
Risk factors for rhabdomyolysis
Experts say rhabdomyolysis can happen to anyone, but you may be more at risk of developing the condition if you are:
An endurance athlete
If you run marathons or take people spin classes or do high-intensity interval exercises, you have a higher risk of getting rhabdomyolysis. However, occasional endurance activities do not cause this condition.
Working in hot environments
Firefighters, foundry workers, and other people who work in hot environments that involve heavy physical exertion can develop this condition, as overheating causes it.
In the military
Those in the military - especially if you are in boot camp or are undergoing intense training—have an increased risk of developing rhabdomyolysis.
Above 60 years of age
If you are above the age of 65, you may be more at risk of falling without being able to get up. Extended periods of inactivity can lead to rhabdomyolysis.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.
