Symptom 7: Shortness of Breath
Breathing. It’s so innate, so rhythmic, that we often take it for granted. Yet, when shortness of breath ensues, it’s as if life’s most rhythmic dance has stumbled. In the context of Dieulafoy’s lesion, this isn’t just a hiccup in the rhythm, but a profound sign of internal disruptions.
Under normal circumstances, each breath we take ensures a steady supply of oxygen, which is then carried by our blood to nourish every single cell. The lungs and heart collaborate in this dance, ensuring an efficient exchange and transport of gases. However, when there’s an internal bleed, like that potentially caused by a Dieulafoy’s lesion, the volume of blood available for oxygen transport diminishes. The result? Our lungs, sensing this discrepancy, try to compensate by increasing the rate of inhalation and exhalation.
But why, scientifically speaking, does this happen? The reduced blood volume means there’s less hemoglobin available to carry oxygen. The body, in its inherent wisdom, recognizes this shortfall and prompts us to breathe more rapidly, hoping to increase oxygen intake. It’s akin to trying to fill a bucket with a larger hole at the bottom – no matter how quickly you pour, the deficit remains.
To the individual experiencing it, this isn’t just a medical anomaly. It feels like an invisible force constricting the chest, making every inhalation a task. Activities that were once trivial, like walking up a flight of stairs, become monumental. Coupled with other symptoms, it can be both a physical and emotional ordeal.(7)
