A physiological process caused by the breakdown of muscle fibers, rhabdomyolysis is a dangerous condition with equally dangerous side effects. Initial medical intervention for rhabdomyolysis is emergent. However, long-term treatment to prevent one dangerous complication of rhabdomyolysis, hyperkalemia, may involve dietary and nutrition modifications.
Process of Rhabdomyolysis
During rhabdomyolysis, the breakdown of muscle fibers causes release of a substance called myoglobin into your blood. Normally, your kidneys filter out substances like myoglogin from your bloodstream so you can eliminate them through your urine. However, myoglobin causes blockage of your kidneys and results in kidney impairment and failure. Any condition resulting in kidney impairment decreases your body's ability to eliminate unneeded substances, which then build up in your bloodstream. This can result in several life-threatening imbalances, such as hyperkalemia, or excess serum potassium.
Causes
Any damage to skeletal muscles increases your likelihood of experiencing rhabdomyolysis. Such damage can occur from injury, such as a crush injury or other trauma. Overexertion, seizures and heatstroke are also causes of rhabdomyolysis. Toxicity to muscles, such as that occurring from alcoholism or abuse of certain drugs, can also cause the condition. This is particularly true of amphetamines, heroin and cocaine. Inherited genetic syndromes may also predispose you to rhabdomyolysis.
Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia is a condition in which the potassium level of your blood becomes higher than 4.8 mEq/L. At serum potassium levels greater than 6 mEq/L, hyperkalemia becomes dangerous, potentially leading to life-threatening symptoms such as heart arrhythmias. Depending on the amount of kidney damage you sustain with rhabdomyolysis, you may be prone to hyperkalemia -- and its resulting symptoms -- for the rest of your life.
Dietary Intervention
After initial medical intervention for your rhabdomyolysis and hyperkalemia, your doctor will likely discharge you with prescriptions for several medications, as well as a recommendation for a low-potassium diet. You will need to avoid high-potassium foods, such as oranges, potatoes, green leafy vegetables and potatoes. Since there is potassium in so many of the foods you eat, your doctor may recommend a consultation with a dietitian to lower your risk of future episodes of hyperkalemia.
