Medical problems of marathon runners

Am J Emerg Med. 2006 Sep;24(5):608-15. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2006.01.023.

Abstract

Several organ systems can be affected by marathon running. Acute musculoskeletal injuries are common, but running does not result in increased rates of musculoskeletal disability. Gastrointestinal complaints are also common among runners; some of these complaints are explained by the decreased mesenteric blood flow during exercise. Although cardiac events are rare, they can be devastating. Symptomatic hyponatremia is another serious but mostly preventable problem.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy
  • Emergency Medicine / methods*
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / therapy
  • Heat Exhaustion / diagnosis
  • Heat Exhaustion / physiopathology
  • Heat Exhaustion / therapy
  • Humans
  • Hyponatremia / diagnosis
  • Hyponatremia / physiopathology
  • Hyponatremia / therapy
  • Kidney Diseases / diagnosis
  • Kidney Diseases / physiopathology
  • Kidney Diseases / therapy
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis
  • Lung Diseases / physiopathology
  • Lung Diseases / therapy
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / physiopathology
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / therapy
  • Physical Endurance / physiology*
  • Running / injuries
  • Running / physiology*