Malignant Hyperthermia Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Malignant Hyperthermia also is known as MH occurs when an individual has a severe reaction to specific types of medications. Typically, there is no known cause for this problem in human beings, except for the fact that the hormones in the body start to spike when the body comes in contact with series of medications at once. Some of the drugs that can pose as a threat and cause of malignant Hyperthermia can be traced to general anesthesia medications. There are so many known effects of Malignant Hyperthermia in the body, and none of them is known to be good. These effects are so dangerous that it can lead to permanent paralysis in patients if not taken care of immediately.

Many people in the world today suffer from Malignant Hyperthermia, and while some can notice the discomfort immediately, others have no idea what is going on with them, and only think that they are having an allergic reaction to medications. The Malignant Hyperthermia starts with the feeling of adverse response, and as soon as possible, it gets worse. The first time Malignant Hyperthermia was heard of was in Egypt, in 2630-2611 BC. Specialist all over the world has insisted that the best way to know for sure if a person has MH, is through a medical diagnosis.

This is an attempt made by doctors or specialists to set aside various facts about a person’s reaction to medications, in other to arrive at a clear answer, and solution for the problem. However, patients can help themselves also when they notice any weird or uncomfortable ache or itch where they should not be experiencing and report to their doctors immediately. When it comes to Malignant Hyperthermia, the earlier the problem is detected, the better for the patient. There are some symptoms attached to MH and some treatment options that can be set aside for patients with this medication problem. It is essential that people have an idea about these symptoms and how to know for sure that Malignant Hyperthermia causes them.

Main Symptoms of Malignant Hyperthermia:

High Fever

This problem may not occur immediately, but it is bound to happen to anyone who is suffering from MH. Sometimes, the body temperature of the person can be as high as 110, and by this time, there is already a problem.

Muscle Hardening & Breakdown

At the initial stage of MH, the muscles of the patient begin to harden, and without proper care, it breaks down eventually. This often leads to an inability to stand or walk for an extended time.

Respiratory Problem

This means that the person starts breathing uncontrollably for some time, then breathes well again. This process can repeat itself as many times in a day as possible.

Severe Illness

This is the ultimate symptom of Malignant Hyperthermia because the above symptoms lead to severe illness and breakdown of the body.

It is known that malignant Hyperthermia is caused by reactions to certain medications taken by patients at the same time. However, it is a rare problem that occurs in 1 in 1000 people.

How to Treat Malignant Hyperthermia:

Make Use of Medications

One of the things that can be used to combat medications reactions is more medications, so Malignant Hyperthermia can be treated with the right medicines like Dantrolene, which helps to relax muscles in the body.

Artificial Treatments

These type of treatments range from using ice packs on different joints on the body, cooling blankets, and natural air that can help to reduce the temperature of a person’s body.

After all these treatments have been administered, the patient must be watched closely to help doctors determine if they have responded efficiently to the treatments, and run further tests for better understanding.

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