Leukemia, a complex blood disease, carries a collection of symptoms that serve as whispers of its presence. The intricacies of leukemia can affect various bodily systems. More than 2 million people worldwide are dealing with different types of this condition. And according to the American Cancer Society’s estimates, about 50 thousand patients will develop this chronic condition in 2023. These staggering numbers are reason enough to learn more about the signs and symptoms of leukemia in children as well as adults.

Fever
People with leukemia, adults and kids, can often develop fever, as it is a common indicator of any disease or disorder. While the body temperature of the patient might not be very high, they might experience shivering at times. The patient might also experience cold chills irrespective of the weather and temperature around them. It is possible that this fever might be considered nothing more than a sign of flu or cold and be brushed aside by using common treatments.

Breathing difficulty
A common visible symptom of leukemia in adults as well as kids is shortness of breath. Generally, this symptom is observed because the leukemia cells tend to gather around the thymus gland. However, it is not necessary to be able to find obvious reasons or factors that can be causing this problem. At times, the problem with breathing may also be coupled with coughing, making things difficult for the patient.

Joint pain
The abnormal production of white blood cells in the body can give rise to various issues. They can be overcrowded in some parts of the body. This can happen in one of the body’s joints, giving rise to immense joint pain. This pressure is generally observed in ankles, knees, or elbows. Some patients might also experience pain in their back. However, in most cases, joint pain can be a sign of some other condition in older adults. Therefore, it is necessary to get it checked before landing on a conclusion.

Persistent fatigue
People dealing with this condition may experience chronic fatigue despite the amount of rest they get. The fatigue continues to linger despite getting adequate sleep and is commonly unrelated to the patient’s physical activity. It can be related to the disruption in the normal production of blood cells and the resultant anemia.

Unexplained bruising
Unexplained bruising and bleeding can also be seen in patients with leukemia. It disrupts the production and function of platelets. These are the blood cells responsible for proper clotting. They can lead to frequent bruising and bleeding caused by small bumps or minor cuts. Leukemia makes it difficult for the blood to clot, resulting in prolonged bleeding. Patients might even spot red or purplish spots or bruises on their skin, known as petechiae. All these are signs of the body’s impaired ability to control bleeding, making it important to monitor these symptoms.

Frequent infections
Leukemia can leave patients prone to infections. It impairs the availability and function of white blood cells in the body. These blood cells are an integral part of the immune system and help fight against infections. The lack of this protection leaves the patient more susceptible to other recurrent and severe conditions. Common infections such as colds, flu, and respiratory issues may become frequent and difficult to manage, requiring prompt attention.

Leukemia has various forms, of which Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) are some of the common types. AML is a rapidly progressing form of leukemia that originates in the bone marrow and affects immature blood cells. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), on the other hand, is characterized by the gradual accumulation of mature but abnormal white blood cells. In the early stages, CML may not exhibit noticeable symptoms and is often discovered during routine blood tests. Acute myeloid leukemia symptoms are similar to the early symptoms of chronic myeloid leukemia in adult patients. It can include fatigue, frequent infections, pale skin, bruising, frequent infections, joint pain, and shortness of breath.