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Haff's disease is a condition that can trigger rhabdomyolysis syndrome, that is, it causes damage to muscle cells and substances such as myoglobin into the bloodstream.
Although the specific cause of the disease has not yet been fully understood, researchers suspect it may be related to toxins in certain fish and aquatic products. Now, as crayfish have become a popular food on the table, they have also begun to be linked to Huff's disease.
Because some reports point out that after eating crayfish, some people have acute rhabdomyolysis symptoms. This phenomenon has attracted wide attention from the medical community and the public.
Association of crayfish with Haff's disease
In recent years, cases of rhabdomyolysis syndrome caused by crayfish consumption have been reported in many places in China. This phenomenon makes people wonder: what is wrong with crayfish? Experts explain that this may be related to the accumulation of toxins in crayfish, especially those that grow in polluted waters.
Cyanobacteria commonly found in polluted waters produce microcystins (MC) and Vibrio bacteria produce polypeptide B (BMAA), which can lead to health problems in those who eat them if they are not completely destroyed if they are not properly handled during cooking.
That doesn't mean all crayfish pose a risk, though. Some crayfish may simply be the victim of individual environmental factors, such as growing in polluted waters.
In addition to these toxins, specific proteins or chemicals in crayfish may also trigger allergic reactions, leading to muscle damage. Although crayfish themselves do not directly contain the specific toxins that cause Huff's disease, crayfish grown in a specific environment may indirectly pose a threat to human health through these pathways.
Multiple causes of rhabdomyolysis syndrome
Rhabdomyolysis syndrome is not only related to Haff's disease, its causes can be varied. First of all, strenuous exercise is an important trigger.
Many people may not know that excessive exercise or inappropriate exercise patterns, especially long-term high-intensity exercise, can lead to muscle overstrain and eventually lead to rhabdomyolysis. In addition, certain viral and bacterial infections can cause the disease, such as influenza virus or Staphylococcus aureus infection.
Medication side effects are also a trigger that should not be overlooked. For example, some commonly used statins, which are used to lower cholesterol, can sometimes cause rhabdomyolysis as a side effect.
There are also stimulant medications, such as amphetamines, that can also trigger this symptom. In addition to these common causes, there are some less common factors that can trigger rhabdomyolysis, such as metabolic disorders, physical trauma, exposure to cold environments, electric shocks, etc.
How is rhabdomyolysis recognized?
Identifying rhabdomyolysis syndrome is not easy, but there are some telltale symptoms that can help us be vigilant. Muscle pain and weakness should be taken seriously when the patient experiences muscle pain, especially if these symptoms occur after strenuous exercise or infection.
An even more critical signal is a change in the color of the urine, which takes on a brown or cola color, which is due to the release of myoglobin into the bloodstream and its excretion through the kidneys.
In addition to these main symptoms, rhabdomyolysis may also be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and tachycardia.
These symptoms are usually caused by electrolyte imbalances and toxin accumulation in the body. Electrolyte imbalances can lead to serious and even life-threatening heart problems.
For early detection and intervention, blood and urine tests are very important. Blood tests can detect abnormally elevated levels of muscle enzymes, such as creatine kinase (CK), which is a direct sign of muscle damage.
Urine tests can help identify early signs of kidney damage, such as the presence of red blood cells, white blood cells, and proteinuria. When rhabdomyolysis is suspected, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible for detailed testing and evaluation to prevent the condition from worsening.
Prevention and daily precautions
The key to preventing rhabdomyolysis syndrome lies in the details of daily life. First of all, you should exercise gradually and avoid sudden high-intensity training, especially for people who do not exercise regularly.
Excessive exercise can lead to acute muscle injury, which can induce rhabdomyolysis. Maintaining a moderate level of physical activity not only strengthens physical fitness, but also effectively prevents disease.
When it comes to drug use, you should take it exactly as your doctor directs, especially those that can cause muscle damage, such as statins.
When using these medications, check muscle enzyme levels regularly to make sure your condition is within a safe range. In addition, supplements and additives that are not guided by a doctor should be avoided so as not to increase the burden on the liver and kidneys.
Dietary regulation is also very important. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, can help protect the body from free radical damage and protect muscle cells.
Protein supplementation in moderation helps to repair and maintain muscle function. At the same time, maintain adequate hydration intake, especially after hot environments or strenuous exercise, to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
In patients who have already had rhabdomyolysis, special care should be taken to avoid re-exposure to factors that may trigger the disease. In daily life, you should avoid overwork and unreasonable exercise patterns, and maintain good work and rest habits. Renal function and muscle enzyme levels are checked regularly to ensure that the condition is stable and does not recur.