Symptom 6: Shortness of Breath
At first glance, one might wonder how UGB could be related to our breathing. But the body’s systems are interconnected. When there’s blood loss, there’s less oxygen being transported, which can lead to shortness of breath. The oxygen carried by our red blood cells is essential for muscular function, including our respiratory muscles.
Shortness of breath isn’t just about feeling winded. It’s a sensation of being unable to draw a full breath, often accompanied by a tightness in the chest. Every system in our body requires oxygen to function, and when there’s a drop in oxygen levels due to decreased blood volume, it sets off alarms in our body’s respiratory center.
As mentioned earlier, UGB can lead to anemia. With fewer red blood cells around, or those present not functioning optimally, oxygen transport diminishes. This directly impacts our lungs and breathing rate, trying to compensate for this reduction by increasing oxygen intake, leading to a feeling of breathlessness.
Shortness of breath can be a symptom of many conditions, from heart issues to anxiety. But when coupled with signs like fatigue, paleness, or black tarry stools, it takes on a specific significance in pointing towards UGB. It’s this cluster of symptoms that paints a broader picture of what might be happening internally.(6)
