Fact 3: Symptoms Galore
HLH is an expert impersonator, often mimicking other conditions due to its wide array of symptoms. This is part of what makes diagnosing HLH such a challenging task for doctors. The symptoms vary widely among individuals, and many of them are similar to those seen in other diseases.
High fever is a common symptom. It’s not just a mild increase in body temperature; we’re talking about persistent, unexplained high fever that doesn’t respond to typical fever-reducing medications. It’s the kind of fever that raises eyebrows and prompts further investigation.
Splenomegaly, or an enlarged spleen, is another common symptom. The spleen is part of the immune system, and when it’s working overtime, as in HLH, it can become swollen. This can lead to discomfort or pain on the left side of the abdomen, where the spleen is located.
Cytopenias, or reduced levels of certain types of blood cells, can also occur in HLH. This is because the overactive immune system can start to destroy these cells. Depending on which types of blood cells are reduced, this can lead to symptoms like fatigue, increased infections, or increased bruising or bleeding.
Skin rashes may also occur in people with HLH. These can vary widely in appearance, but they are usually red and may be itchy. They can occur anywhere on the body. These rashes are a visible sign of the systemic inflammation that is occurring within the body. (3)
