Symptom 6. Shortness of Breath: A Silent Struggle for Air
Breathing, a fundamental aspect of life, can become a covert challenge with NHL. When lymph nodes in the chest region swell, they can impede regular airflow, making each inhalation a conscious effort.
Imagine the sensation: you’re sitting still, yet each breath feels like you’ve just sprinted a mile. It’s baffling because there’s no evident reason — you’re not exerting, the air’s fine, yet your lungs clamor for more oxygen. That’s the craftiness of NHL; it doesn’t always scream its presence.
The science behind this symptom is enthralling. The lymph nodes around our lungs and trachea, while doing their job in filtering harmful substances, become swollen with NHL. This swelling restricts the airways, making it harder for air to flow freely.
This isn’t a fleeting sensation. Over time, the shortness of breath becomes more pronounced, especially when lying flat. Activities that once seemed mundane, like climbing stairs or carrying groceries, become formidable tasks. It’s as if the body’s gasping, trying to snatch more air than before. (6)
