What is rhabdomyolysis?

Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which damaged muscle cells break down and release their contents into the blood. These contents can be toxic and cause damage to the kidneys and other organs.

What is rhabdomyolysis? {#overview}

What are the symptoms of rhabdomyolysis? {#symptoms}

What causes rhabdomyolysis? {#causes}

How is rhabdomyolysis treated? {#treatment}

## What is rhabdomyolysis? {#overview}
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition that happens when damaged muscle fibres break down and release certain substances, like potassium and proteins  into your bloodstream. 

This can lead to serious complications including [kidney damage](/health-library/conditions/kidney-disease-chronic) and heart problems. It can also be life-threatening, but early treatment can help prevent complications from happening. 

## What are the symptoms of rhabdomyolysis? {#symptoms}
If you have rhabdomyolysis you’re likely to have muscle pain, although this pain can vary in how bad it is.

Some people have a lot of pain, while others have no pain at all. 

Other symptoms you may have include:

- finding it hard to move your arms or legs
- peeing less or not at all – this pee may look dark
- feeling unwell
- a fever
- feeling sick ([nausea](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/symptoms/feeling-sick-nausea)) or being sick ([vomiting](https://www.livehealthily.com/self-care/vomiting-adults))
- [palpitations](/health-library/symptoms/heart-palpitations) (heart beating faster than normal or missing beats)
- tummy pain
- a rash
- feeling confused or agitated 


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## What causes rhabdomyolysis? {#causes}
Rhabdomyolysis can be caused by an injury, for example if part of your body is crushed, or if you don’t move for a long time after a fall. 

Other causes include:

- certain medications or recreational drugs, like cocaine
- burns
- over-exerting yourself
- drinking too much alcohol
- fits
- certain infections 
- snake bites and insect stings
- an underlying medical condition, like a thyroid problem or [diabetes](/health-library/conditions/diabetes)


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## How is rhabdomyolysis treated? {#treatment}
Rhabdomyolysis is a condition that needs emergency medical care, so go to an emergency department or call an ambulance if you think you have it.

Treatment for rhabdomyolysis may involve treating any complications as well as the cause of the muscle breakdown. 

This treatment may include:

- __fluids__ – given directly into your vein to dilute the substances that have been released into your blood, help you pee and help your kidneys work 
- medication to reduce the amount of potassium in your blood and protect your heart
- __medications to help you pee__ – called diuretics
- __stopping any medication that might have caused your symptoms__
- __[dialysis](/health-library/treatments/dialysis) to help your kidneys remove waste while they are recovering__ – this is less common
- __surgery to release pressure in your muscles__ – this is rarely done

If your rhabdomyolysis is caused by another medical problem or condition, your doctor will usually treat that. 


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References

Dr Adiele Hoffman

Dr Lauretta Ihonor

Dr Ann Nainan

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Rhabdomyolysis happens when damaged muscle fibres break down and release certain substances, like potassium and proteins into your bloodstream. Find out what causes rhabdomyolysis, its symptoms and how it’s treated.