4. Infections: The Stealthy Invaders in Multiple Myeloma
The immune system is our body’s robust defense mechanism. However, multiple myeloma can weaken this system, making patients more susceptible to infections. The bone marrow, besides producing red blood cells, also churns out white blood cells, our primary infection fighters. But myeloma’s interference compromises this production.
Respiratory infections become a frequent, unwanted guest. A simple cold might escalate to pneumonia or bronchitis, with the body struggling to ward off these invaders. What’s intriguing is that these infections are not just due to the decreased number of white blood cells but also their reduced efficacy.
Externally, there might be a persistent fever, cough, or a general sense of malaise. Internally, however, the body wages a relentless war against these infectious agents. And with a compromised army of white blood cells, the battleground is skewed.(4)
