6. Difficulty Breathing: A Struggle that’s More than a Common Cold
Difficulty breathing in a child is always a sign that should be taken seriously. In the context of NHL, it’s not a fleeting issue that can be chalked up to a cold or respiratory infection. It’s a persistent struggle, where children might feel as though they can’t get enough air, leading to visible effort when inhaling and exhaling.
For parents and caregivers, it’s disheartening to watch a child laboring to breathe. Children may avoid activities they once enjoyed because they make them too short of breath.
Or they may develop a cough that doesn’t seem to go away—one that’s persistent and deep. In severe cases, they may experience wheezing or a high-pitched sound while breathing.
Difficulty breathing in NHL is often due to swollen lymph nodes in the chest. This swelling can put pressure on the windpipe (trachea) or airways, making it physically harder for air to flow in and out of the lungs. It is a symptom that may appear innocuous at first, beginning subtly and gradually worsening over time. (6)
