Symptom 10. Persistent Cough: The Ongoing Echo of Discomfort
One wouldn’t immediately link a cough to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, especially in children who often battle colds. But when a cough becomes a lingering shadow, refusing to be silenced, it takes on a more sinister undertone.
Unlike the cough from a common cold or bronchitis, the one associated with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma originates from a different cause. The enlarged lymph nodes, especially those near the lungs or throat, can press against air passages, leading to this persistent cough.
Moreover, this isn’t your typical dry or phlegmy cough. It’s often deeper, more resonant, and less responsive to typical over-the-counter treatments. It’s as if the body is trying to expel or alert to an internal aggressor, but the signal keeps getting lost.
There’s also an added layer of discomfort. The pressure exerted by the swollen lymph nodes can lead to a sensation of fullness or tightness in the chest or throat. Children might find themselves frequently clearing their throats, trying to find relief from this constant irritant.
To a parent’s ear, every cough might sound like a cry for help, especially when its cause lurks deeper than just a fleeting virus. Recognizing this unusual persistence in a cough could be the first step towards understanding the bigger picture lurking within. (10)
