3. Breathlessness: A Silent Alarm Bell
Shortness of breath can manifest in a variety of ways. For some, it’s a tightness in the chest, an inability to draw in a full breath. For others, it’s a sensation of being winded, even after minimal exertion, like the kind felt after a sprint.
The root of this breathlessness in the context of HCL is often anemia. As leukemia cells dominate the bone marrow, the production of red blood cells decreases. These cells are essential for oxygen transportation. A deficit means your organs, muscles, and tissues aren’t getting the oxygen they need, leading to that out-of-breath feeling.
It’s noteworthy how this symptom can creep into day-to-day activities. Something as basic as walking from one room to another, climbing a flight of stairs, or trying to keep up a conversation can become arduous tasks. It’s not about being unfit; it’s a deeper systemic issue that’s causing this breathlessness. (3)
