Leukemia is a group of cancers originating in blood-forming tissues, primarily the bone marrow. It involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal blood cells, which interfere with healthy blood component production. While not a primary symptom, a cough can manifest due to the disease’s effects.
Describing the Leukemia Cough
A cough associated with leukemia often presents with specific characteristics. It may be persistent and dry, or productive with discolored or bloody mucus. Individuals might experience a hacking sensation, sometimes with wheezing or a raspy voice. Shortness of breath, from mild breathlessness to a severe feeling of suffocation, can occur alongside the cough.
Beyond the cough itself, other respiratory symptoms can emerge, such as chest discomfort or pain. Systemic symptoms frequently accompany this type of cough, including persistent fatigue and weakness. Unexplained fevers, chills, and drenching night sweats are also common. Individuals may also experience unintentional weight loss, a general feeling of unwellness, and a loss of appetite.
Why Leukemia Can Cause a Cough
Several physiological mechanisms can lead to a cough in individuals with leukemia. A compromised immune system, often due to leukemia or its treatments, makes individuals susceptible to respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchitis. These infections can trigger persistent coughing as the body clears airways.
In some instances, leukemic cells can directly infiltrate lung tissue, causing inflammation or fluid accumulation within the lungs themselves. This cellular invasion, though rare, can provoke a cough and progressive breathing difficulties.
Additionally, enlarged lymph nodes or an enlarged thymus gland in the chest can press on the airways, such as the windpipe, leading to irritation and coughing. This mechanical compression can also result in shortness of breath.
Fluid buildup around the lungs, known as pleural effusion, can also contribute to a cough. This accumulation of fluid can restrict lung expansion, causing discomfort and stimulating a cough reflex. Additionally, certain chemotherapy drugs used in leukemia treatment can irritate or damage lung tissue, leading to cough as a side effect.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Seek medical advice if a cough is persistent or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, even if common. Immediate medical attention is warranted if the cough includes unexplained fever, chills, or night sweats.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, particularly if new or worsening, is another red flag that requires prompt evaluation. Coughing up blood or discolored phlegm should always lead to an immediate medical consultation.
Unexplained weight loss, severe fatigue that impacts daily life, or a persistent cough that does not improve after weeks with typical remedies are also reasons to see a doctor. Any new, persistent cough in someone with a known leukemia diagnosis should also be reported to their healthcare team.
Distinguishing the Cough
Differentiating a leukemia-related cough from more common coughs involves considering the broader context and accompanying symptoms rather than just the sound of the cough. Unlike coughs from colds, flu, or allergies, which are often seasonal or resolve relatively quickly, a leukemia-related cough tends to be persistent and may not respond to typical over-the-counter remedies.
While common infections might cause a cough and fatigue, a leukemia-related cough is more likely part of a constellation of systemic symptoms. These indicators include profound fatigue, unexplained weight loss, easy bruising or bleeding, and recurrent, severe infections. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin are also often present, unlike with a common cold or allergy.