Symptom 4: The Breathless Predicament
One of the more distressing symptoms of ATC is dyspnea or shortness of breath. This symptom originates from the tumor’s invasion into the airway. As the tumor grows, it can compress or obstruct the trachea, the tube that carries air in and out of the lungs.
At first, this symptom might be mistaken for poor fitness or general fatigue. You may find yourself out of breath after climbing a flight of stairs or performing other routine activities. However, unlike exercise-induced breathlessness, dyspnea due to ATC does not improve with rest.
Breathing, like swallowing, is an automatic process – until it isn’t. When you’re battling for every breath, everything else tends to fade into the background. The all-consuming need for air can be both physically exhausting and mentally terrifying.
This symptom is particularly concerning because of the critical role of oxygen in our bodies. Every cell, every tissue, every organ relies on a steady supply of oxygen to function. When breathing becomes difficult, the body’s oxygen supply is compromised, leading to fatigue, confusion, and if left untreated, more severe complications.
The impact of dyspnea extends beyond the physical discomfort. There’s an inherent fear attached to breathlessness, a primal panic that sets in when oxygen levels dwindle. Recognizing this symptom early, this is essential in managing the progression of ATC. (4)
