Pulmonary Embolism – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments!

Depending on the size of the thrombus, pulmonary embolism can even cause sudden death. So, check now Pulmonary Embolism – What is it, Symptoms, Treatments. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms , you should immediately see a doctor.

Causes:  A pulmonary embolism is most often caused by the presence of a blood clot in an artery, which blocks the passage of blood. This clot is usually coming from the leg veins (especially the thigh area) or the pelvis (hip area). This type of clot is also called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The DVT breaks free and travels to the lungs. Less common causes include air bubbles, fat droplets , amniotic fluid, parasites, or cancer cells.

Risk Factors: Everyone can have a pulmonary embolism , but certain factors can increase the risk of this happening. Here are some factors:

• Family history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism .
• Heart problems such as high blood pressure, hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions.
• Some cancers, especially pancreas, ovaries and lung, and some metastases. Women with a history of breast cancer can also develop the problem.
• Resting and lying down for a long time can lead to a pulmonary embolism as well, such as after surgery, a heart attack, a broken leg, or any other serious illness that required hospitalization.
• Sitting for a long time is also a risk factor, especially during working hours and traveling by plane or car.
• Smoke.
• Obesity.
• Estrogen supplements, common in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.
• Pregnancy.

Having surgery is one of the main causes of blood clots, especially with hip and knee replacements. During preparation of bones for artificial joints, tissue debris can enter the bloodstream and contribute to causing a clot.

Just be still during any type of surgery and the risk of clot formation increases considerably. The risk grows the longer you are under general anesthesia. For this reason, most people who undergo surgery and are predisposed to blood clotting will receive medication before and after surgery to prevent clots from forming.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism: Symptoms of pulmonary embolism often vary, depending on the number of arterial blocks and which parts of the lung are involved. The main symptoms of pulmonary embolism are:

• Be sharp or penetrating.
• Be described as a burning sensation, pain, numbness or heaviness.
• Worse when the individual takes a deep breath, coughs, eats, or bends over.
• Having the patient bend over or hold their chest in reaction to pain.

In addition, the patient may have:

• Sudden cough, expectorating blood or bloody sputum.
• Fast breathing.
• High heart rate.
• Respiratory failure started suddenly.

Other symptoms of pulmonary embolism that may occur:

• Anxiety.
• Bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis).
• Cold and damp skin.
• Dizziness.
• Leg pain, redness and swelling.
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Low blood pressure.
• Sweating.
• Panting breath.

Seeking Medical Help: Pulmonary embolism can lead to death, so seek medical help immediately if you experience any of the symptoms described above, and especially if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, and a cough that comes with mucus and blood. .

At the Medical Consultation: Pulmonary embolism is usually an emergency case that will require immediate medical attention. The doctor may perform a physical exam to look for any signs of deep vein thrombosis in the patient’s legs, usually characterized by a red, tender, swollen area, and will also measure blood pressure.

Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism: After the physical examination, the doctor will ask for some specific tests to make sure that it is a case of pulmonary embolism , as the diagnosis is difficult to make based on the observation of symptoms alone. The specialist may ask for:

• Bloodtests.
• Imaging tests such as chest X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans and MRI scans.
• Pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan.
• Pulmonary angiography.
• Echocardiogram.

Pulmonary Embolism Treatment: Pulmonary embolism  emergency careis essential to avoid complications. Treatment can be done via medications, such as anticoagulants and thrombolytics, used to dissolve blood clots. There is also the option of surgery in case medications do not work.

The patient may undergo surgical procedures in which the blood clot is removed or, even, the use of a catheter that works as a filter and prevents the clot from passing from the leg to the lung.

Medications to Treat Pulmonary Embolism:  The most commonly used medications for treating pulmonary embolism are:

• Acebrofilina.
• Acetylcysteine.
• Aerolin.
• Atrovent.
• Ares.

Only a doctor can tell you which drug is most suitable for you, as well as the correct dosage and duration of treatment. Always follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter and NEVER self-medicate. Do not stop using the drug without consulting a doctor first, and if you take it more than once or in much larger amounts than prescribed, follow the instructions on the package insert.

Possible Complications: Pulmonary embolism can be fatal. When the disease is diagnosed and treated early, however, the number of fatal pulmonary embolisms  drops dramatically. Pulmonary embolism can also lead to pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which the blood pressure in the lungs and right side of the heart is higher than normal.

When there are blockages in the arteries of the lungs, the heart has to work harder to push blood through these vessels. This increases blood pressure within these vessels and the heart and can wear out the organ. In rare cases, it may be that some small emboli develop within the lung, resulting in a case of chronic thrombosis.

Prevention:  Preventing blood clotting can help prevent pulmonary embolisms as well . Therefore, the doctor may prescribe anticoagulant medications, compression stockings to improve blood flow and reduce the chances of clotting.

Moving your legs frequently during long plane and car journeys or in other situations where you sit or lie down for long periods can help prevent clotting. People at high risk of blood clots may need  heparin injections when on a flight that lasts longer than four hours. Practice moderate physical activities regularly and don’t smoke. If you smoke , stop, especially women who are taking estrogen.