Pulmonary embolism is a condition where one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked. This blockage is often caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from other areas of the body.

Pulmonary embolism can cause serious complications and sometimes be fatal if it is not treated promptly. In this article, we will discuss the possible causes of pulmonary embolism and how to recognize its symptoms.

What Causes Pulmonary Embolism?

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing pulmonary embolism. Some of the most common causes include:.

1. Blood Clots

The most common cause of pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that enters the lungs. Blood clots can form in the legs, pelvis, or other parts of the body and travel to the lungs through the bloodstream.

This is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and it can be caused by several factors such as:.

Prolonged bed rest or immobility
Surgery or trauma
Cancer or chemotherapy
Pregnancy or childbirth
Obesity
Smoking
Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy

2. Inherited Disorders

Some people are born with inherited disorders that increase their risk of developing blood clots. These disorders include:.

Factor V Leiden
Prothrombin G20210A mutation
Antithrombin deficiency
Protein C or protein S deficiency
Dysfibrinogenemia
Hyperhomocysteinemia

3. Heart Conditions

People with certain heart conditions are also at risk for developing pulmonary embolism. These conditions include:.

Heart failure
Atrial fibrillation
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Heart valve disease

4. Other Medical Conditions

There are several other medical conditions that can increase the risk of developing pulmonary embolism, including:.

COPD
Cancer
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
Nephrotic syndrome
Thrombophilia
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia

5. Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors can also contribute to the development of pulmonary embolism. These factors include:.

Sedentary lifestyle
Smoking
Obesity
Poor diet
Excessive alcohol consumption

Recognizing the Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

It is important to be aware of the symptoms of pulmonary embolism so that you can seek medical attention if necessary. Some of the most common symptoms of pulmonary embolism include:.

Sudden shortness of breath
Sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing
Rapid heartbeat
Coughing up blood or bloody mucus
Fever
Sweating
Lightheadedness or fainting

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as this condition can be life-threatening.

Conclusion

Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition that can be caused by several factors. These factors include blood clots, inherited disorders, heart conditions, other medical conditions, and lifestyle factors.

Recognizing the symptoms of pulmonary embolism is important as this condition can be fatal if left untreated. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical attention immediately.