What causes rhabdomyolysis?
An injured muscle that releases large amounts of harmful substances into the blood causes rhabdomyolysis. The following things may cause injury to the muscles: • Diseases: This includes conditions such as seizures (convulsions), severe asthma, and infections by germs, called bacteria or viruses. Too much vomiting or diarrhea, diabetes, or problems of hyperthyroidism (thyroid storm) may also injure the muscles. • Temperature extremes: This includes developing hyperthermia (very high body temperature), or hypothermia (very low body temperature). • Extreme muscular activity: This may be after a hard and long-term exercise, such as in running marathons. • Medicines and other harmful substances: Aspirin or diuretics (water pills) overdose may cause an electrolyte imbalance. Antidepressants or anti-cholesterol medicines may also injure the muscles. Illegal drugs such as amphetamines, opiates, ecstasy, and LSD may also cause muscle injury. • Trauma: A crushing injury, electrical shock, or sev
