Summarize the following:
Fatigue is the most common symptom. Paleness of the face and skin and difficult of breathing with mild exertion may accompany fatigue. These symptoms indicate that the red blood cells do not carry sufficient amounts of oxygen to the rest of the body. The lungs, other vital organs, and muscles compensate for less oxygen by working more diligently. This is a very taxing process to sustain and causes general feeling of fatigue. Fever actually protects the body from harmful processes within. The constant fighting of the body against leukemia cells trigger persistent fever. The bone marrow is the soft tissue core inside the bone. Bone pain is a result of the saturation of bone marrows with leukemia cells. Easy bruising , frequent bleeding of gums and nose, pinpoint red spots in the skin. These are symptoms of low amounts of normal platelet in the body. Soft, small lumps may be found in any part of the body. The lumps are by-products of leukemic cells seeping under the affected area. The spleen is the graveyard for dead blood cells. Leukemia increase the death rate of blood cells and congest the spleen. Consequently, the spleen becomes enlarged. The close proximity of the spleen to the stomach plays a role in loss of appetite. The enlarged spleen presses on the stomach to mimic a feeling of fullness. This explains the loss of appetite. One inflammatory cell is named tumor necrosis factor (cachectin). Cachectin is responsible for weight loss. Fever is a response of the body against harmful leukemia cells. Chronic fever alters the ability of the brain to regulate body temperature. The brain’s faulty regulatory process perceives the normal body temperature to be too hot and uses night sweating as a means of releasing heat. The lumps signify swelling of the lymph glands. The lymph glands are the policemen of the body. They detain unwanted bacteria, virus, and foreign substance such as cancer cells and prime them for removal. In this case, lymph glands trap leukemia cells and try to eliminate them. The spleen becomes too stretched and enlarged that pain is produced. This is often complained in the left side of the abdomen where the spleen is usually located.
Look for signs of fatigue. Be aware of persistent fever. Ask your child if they are experiencing bone pain. Look for easy bruising and bleeding. Feel for soft, small lumps under the skin. Watch out for a loss of appetite. Keep track of any weight loss.Chronic battle of the body against leukemia triggers a cascade of inflammatory cells. Be aware if your child is experiencing night sweats. Look for lumps in the groin, underarms, and neck. Identify any pains or aches on the left side of the abdomen.