9. Shortness of Breath: An Overlooked Warning
When simple tasks like climbing stairs or taking a short walk leave you gasping for air, it’s easy to blame it on poor fitness levels or even aging. However, consistent shortness of breath could be a symptom of something far more serious.
In the case of SMZL, shortness of breath can occur due to the enlarged spleen pressing against the diaphragm, thereby affecting lung expansion and causing you to feel like you can’t get a full breath. This symptom is especially alarming when it occurs without exertion, which makes it distinct and more concerning than the breathlessness you might feel after strenuous activity.
Your spleen sits in close proximity to your diaphragm, which plays a key role in your ability to breathe. An enlarged spleen, common in SMZL cases, can press against the diaphragm, impairing its function.
This results in limited lung expansion and the sensation of being short of breath. The concern escalates when this symptom is combined with others, such as weight loss or night sweats, as it can signify an advanced stage of the condition. It’s a cascading effect that begins with the spleen but can impact multiple body systems, including your respiratory system, causing this alarming symptom.
The tricky part about shortness of breath is that it can easily be attributed to other causes like asthma, obesity, or even stress. What makes SMZL different is that the symptom doesn’t typically respond to treatments that would be effective for these other conditions, such as inhalers for asthma. (9)
