When Fitness Turns Fatal: AINU Experts Warn of “Cola Urine” and the Dangers of Extreme Workouts
Medical experts at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) have issued a serious warning about the dangers of extreme workouts, highlighting a life-threatening condition known as Rhabdomyolysis that can lead to acute kidney failure.
Hyderabad: Medical experts at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) have issued a serious warning about the dangers of extreme workouts, highlighting a life-threatening condition known as Rhabdomyolysis that can lead to acute kidney failure.
The alert follows a recent case at AINU’s HITEC City facility, where a 25-year-old man developed severe complications after engaging in an intense 90-minute workout session on his very first day at the gym. The regimen included high-intensity squats, deadlifts, and push-ups aimed at achieving rapid fitness results.
Within days, the individual began experiencing alarming symptoms, including dark, tea-colored urine—commonly described as “cola urine”—along with severe muscle stiffness, extreme fatigue, and reduced urine output. He was rushed to the emergency department, where doctors found significantly elevated creatine kinase levels, the presence of myoglobin in urine, and worsening kidney function.
Doctors diagnosed the condition as exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis, in which damaged muscle tissue breaks down rapidly and releases harmful substances into the bloodstream. These substances can obstruct kidney function and may lead to acute kidney injury, sometimes requiring dialysis if not treated promptly.
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Medical experts explained that such conditions often occur when individuals undertake unaccustomed, high-intensity workouts, particularly when combined with dehydration or heat stress. They emphasized that while exercise strengthens muscles, excessive strain can instead cause muscle fibers to rupture, posing a direct threat to vital organs.
The patient’s recovery was made possible through timely intervention and coordinated care. Specialists, including urologist Dr. Deepak Ragoori and nephrologist Dr. Kranthi Kumar, administered aggressive hydration therapy and corrected electrolyte imbalances, leading to gradual improvement.
Doctors have urged gym-goers to remain vigilant for warning signs such as dark-colored urine, severe muscle pain, unusual fatigue, decreased urine output, and nausea. They stress that early detection is crucial to prevent long-term kidney damage.
AINU experts recommend a cautious approach to fitness, advising beginners to start with low-intensity workouts and increase gradually. Proper hydration, adequate rest, and attention to the body’s signals are essential to avoid complications.
“Exercise is beneficial, but only when done in the right measure,” doctors said, cautioning that ignoring early symptoms can have serious, even life-threatening consequences.
