Rhabdomyolysis is a breakdown of muscle fibers that results in the release of cellular contents into the circulatory system. These contents are potentially toxic and include potassium, which can cause hyperkalemia, phosphates and sulfates. This may induce metabolic acidosis and other myocyte components that can damage the kidneys. The following steps will show prevent rhabdomyolysis.
Instructions
1. Minimize your chances of traumatic injuries. Blunt force trauma is a common source of severe rhabdomyolysis, and other sources include electrical injuries and burns.
2. Limit your physical activity to a moderate level. The muscle soreness you feel after unaccustomed sustained exercise (such as long-distance running) is a mild form of rhabdomyolysis; however, this is a necessary step in encouraging new muscle growth.
3. Restrict your intake of alcohol. Ethanol is a primary source of toxin-mediated rhabdomyolysis. Additionally, most alcoholic beverages contain by-products to the fermentation process that are especially damaging to muscle tissue. These substances include methanol, ethylene glycol and isopropanol.
4. Refrain from substance abuse. Virtually all recreational drugs cause significant rhabdomyolysis in small quantities. This group includes, but is not limited to, heroin, cocaine, barbiturates and amphetamines. Prescription drugs also can be a source of rhabdomyolysis and these include antihistamines, cyclic antidepressants, aspirin, caffeine, amphotericin, quinine, among others.
5. Avoid natural sources of poison. The venom of many animals such as snakes, spiders and bees, and plants such as hemlock are well-known causative agents for rhabdomyolysis. Other environmental sources include carbon monoxide and toluene.
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