Don't Ignore These Silent Signs of Leukemia
By Sara Butler
Leukemia is cancer of the body's blood cells. It causes several surprising and quite subtle symptoms throughout the body. There are some signs you shouldn't try to brush under the rug when it comes to this cancer. In fact, if you find you are displaying any of these concerning symptoms, it's time to talk to a medical professional and get checked out.
Weakness and Fatigue
Some of the most common symptoms of leukemia are weakness and fatigue. This is often caused by anemia or a deficiency of the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. You can experience slight weakness and fatigue that gets worse over time no matter what you do. So, if you find you're experiencing these symptoms, better safe than sorry to get it checked out.
Shortness of Breath
As you grow weaker and feel more tired, you may also start to find that you just can't catch your breath. Something as simple as walking across the room can be a challenge, leaving you panting and out of breath.
Unexplained Bruising
If you are suddenly getting bruises that you can't explain, then you may have leukemia. Unusual bruising is often the result of blood clotting issues due to a low platelet count. You can bruise after seemingly no trauma has occurred anywhere on your body, but mostly your legs and arms.
Unusual Bleeding
Right along the same lines as the strange bruising, you may experience unusual bleeding when you have leukemia too. You may notice you begin to have strange nosebleeds or even bleeding in our lungs or gums. This is a sign of problems with your platelets and clotting, so make sure to get it checked out.
Pain or Discomfort in the Belly
Sometimes leukemia can cause an enlarged spleen, which can cause discomfort or even sharp pain in the upper left-hand side of your belly. This is a serious issue and can even lead to parts of the spleen dying due to being enlarged -- and that's going to be very painful.
Chills, Fever, and Night Sweats
Chills or fever aren't the most common symptoms, but if you notice you have an ongoing low-grade fever, then it's a sign that your body is fighting something or perhaps your immune system is compromised. Pair that with night sweats in which you wake up with the sheets of your bed drenched in sweat and you need to get your symptoms looked at further.
If you're having symptoms that have you worried, then talk to a trusted healthcare professional, just like the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fairfax, Va.