Pulmonary embolism is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the blood vessels in the lungs. This can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, and even death in some cases.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may have a pulmonary embolism, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

Symptoms Of Pulmonary Embolism

The symptoms of pulmonary embolism can vary depending on the size and location of the blood clot. Some of the most common symptoms include:.

Sudden shortness of breath, especially when at rest
Chest pain or discomfort, which may worsen when taking deep breaths, coughing, or bending over
Coughing up blood or pink, foamy mucus
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Lightheadedness or fainting

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Causes Of Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot in another part of the body breaks free and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs.

The most common cause of blood clots is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a clot forms in a vein deep within the body, usually in the legs. Other factors that can increase the risk of developing blood clots include:.

Being overweight or obese
Smoking
Being sedentary for long periods of time, such as during a long flight or car ride
Having surgery or being hospitalized for an extended period of time
Using hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills

If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing blood clots.

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism

If you present with symptoms suggestive of pulmonary embolism, your doctor will perform a series of tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. These may include:.

Physical exam: Your doctor will examine you and ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history.
Blood tests: Your doctor may perform blood tests to check for the presence of a blood clot or other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can help your doctor rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): An ECG can help your doctor determine if your heart is functioning normally.
CT scan: A CT scan of the chest can help your doctor determine if there is a blood clot in your lungs.
Pulmonary angiogram: A pulmonary angiogram is a more invasive test that involves injecting dye into the pulmonary arteries and taking X-rays to determine if there is a blood clot present.

Based on the results of these tests, your doctor may diagnose you with pulmonary embolism or another condition that can cause similar symptoms.

If you are diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, your doctor will likely recommend treatment with blood thinners to help dissolve the clot and prevent new ones from forming.

When To Seek Emergency Medical Care

If you or a loved one experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek emergency medical care immediately:.

Severe difficulty breathing
Severe chest pain or pressure that does not go away with rest
Coughing up large amounts of blood
Fainting or loss of consciousness

These symptoms could indicate a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention.

Treatment For Pulmonary Embolism

The primary goal of treating pulmonary embolism is to prevent new blood clots from forming while the body naturally dissolves the existing clot. This is typically done with blood thinners, such as heparin or warfarin.

In some cases, other medications or procedures may be necessary to remove the clot or prevent it from traveling to the lungs.

If you are diagnosed with pulmonary embolism, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on the severity and location of the clot, as well as your overall health and medical history.

It’s important to follow your treatment plan closely and to let your doctor know if you experience any new or worsening symptoms while on medication.

Prevention of Pulmonary Embolism

There are several things you can do to lower your risk of developing pulmonary embolism, including:.

Maintaining a healthy weight
Getting regular exercise
Quitting smoking
Avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity, such as during long flights or car rides
Talking to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk if you are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills

If you have a history of blood clots or pulmonary embolism, your doctor may recommend additional measures to lower your risk, such as wearing compression stockings or taking medication to prevent blood clots.

Conclusion

Pulmonary embolism is a serious medical condition that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

Your doctor can perform tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment plan to help dissolve the blood clot and prevent new ones from forming. By taking steps to reduce your risk of blood clots, you can help lower your risk of developing pulmonary embolism.