What should you know about fever rhabdomyolysis?

Rhabdomyolysis happens when damaged muscle releases substances into the bloodstream. It may follow strenuous exercise, heat exposure, infection, injury, prolonged pressure, or certain medicines. Fever may reflect an infection or the body's response to muscle injury; the symptom does not identify the cause by itself. Muscle pain, tenderness, swelling, unusual weakness, and reduced urine can occur. Dark tea-coloured urine is a warning sign, but its absence does not rule out the condition.

Stop strenuous activity and arrange prompt medical evaluation. A clinician may examine your muscles, check your hydration and urine output, and order blood and urine tests to assess muscle injury and kidney function. Do not restart exercise while symptoms continue. Follow the advised fluid plan rather than forcing large amounts of liquid, particularly if you have heart or kidney problems. Keep a list of medicines, supplements, recent illness, heat exposure, and exercise available for the appointment.

Seek emergency care for very little or no urine, dark urine, worsening weakness, confusion, fainting, trouble breathing, chest symptoms, severe swelling, or an inability to keep fluids down. Fever with marked muscle pain after heat exposure, infection, or intense exertion also deserves same-day assessment. Call emergency services if you become confused, collapse, or cannot safely travel.

Ask what may have triggered the muscle injury, which tests will be repeated, how to monitor urine output, which medicines or supplements to pause, and when gentle movement or exercise can resume.