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Although pulmonary embolism is a relatively rare disease, it can pose a serious threat to the patient’s health and life.
Therefore, it is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and methods of diagnosing and treating pulmonary embolism.
What causes can lead to pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism is the sudden blockage of one of the arteries in the lungs by a clot or other material that travels from elsewhere in the body. The main causes of pulmonary embolism are:
- Deep vein thrombosis – blood clots most often form in the blood vessels of the lower limbs.
- Inferior vena cava thrombosis – the blood clot in this large vein may break off and migrate to the pulmonary arteries.
- Fat embolism – can occur when fat or other substances enter the bloodstream.
- Air embolism – very rare, but can occur when air enters the circulatory system.
What are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism can be varied and are not always clear. The most common symptoms include:
- Sudden chest pain which may be intense and worse with deep breathing.
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and rapid breathing.
- Coughing, sometimes with blood.
- Dizziness, loss of consciousness or fainting.
- Pain around the back, neck or shoulders.
How is a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism made? What additional tests are helpful in such a situation?
Diagnosing a pulmonary embolism can be difficult because the symptoms can be confusing and resemble other conditions. If your doctor suspects a pulmonary embolism, he or she may order the following tests:
- Chest computed tomography (CT) – allows visualization of pulmonary arteries and detection of blood clots.
- Pulmonary artery angiography – a more advanced test that allows you to assess the condition of blood vessels.
- Blood tests – help identify possible clotting disorders.
- Electrocardiography (ECG) – may reveal changes in heart activity related to pulmonary embolism.
How is pulmonary embolism treated?
Treatment of a pulmonary embolism is urgent and usually requires hospitalization. The main treatment methods are:
- Giving anticoagulant drugs such as heparin to dissolve the clot.
- Using painkillers and anti-shortness medications to relieve symptoms.
- Pulmonary artery embolization – performed in complicated cases to remove the clot.
- In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.
How can you prevent the development of pulmonary embolism?
The primary way to prevent pulmonary embolism is to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Here are some recommendations:
- Regular exercise, especially in people at increased risk.
- Avoiding sitting in one position for long periods of time.
- Wearing elastic compression stockings on doctor’s orders.
- Regular check-ups with your doctor if you have risk factors such as obesity, smoking or heart disease.
What is the prognosis for pulmonary embolism?
The prognosis of a pulmonary embolism depends on many factors, such as the time since the onset of symptoms, the size of the clot, and the patient’s overall health. If diagnosed and treated quickly, the chances of full recovery are much higher.
Your suggestions
If you suspect a pulmonary embolism or are in a risk group, do not delay medical consultation. Quick diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to improving the prognosis.
Recommended articles
If you want to learn more about pulmonary embolism, we recommend reading the following articles:
- “Deep vein thrombosis – causes, symptoms and treatment”
- “How to avoid thrombosis during long-term sitting?”
- “Heart disease prevention – a healthy lifestyle as the key to a healthy heart”
Remember that educating yourself about pulmonary embolism can help you prevent it and recognize it sooner, which could save your life.