Pulmonary Embolism
What is pulmonary embolism?
Pulmonary embolism, a severe and life-threatening condition, is the blocking of the pulmonary artery by foreign matter such as:
- a blood clot (thrombus) or pieces of it
- fat
- air
- tumor tissue
Conditions that may contribute to pulmonary embolism include:
- heart disease
- chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD)
- extended bed rest
- surgery
- cancer
- paralysis
- aging
- sickle cell disease
What are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism?
The following are the most common symptoms for pulmonary embolism. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism may be similar to those of a heart attack or a lung disorder, such as pneumonia, and may include:
- sudden chest pain
- chronic cough, sometimes mixed with blood-streaked sputum
- severe dyspnea (difficulty in breathing)
- excessive perspiring
- shock
- cyanosis (bluish skin color)
- anxiety
- loss of consciousness
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is pulmonary embolism diagnosed?
Pulmonary embolism is difficult to diagnose. Non-invasive tests cannot be used in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Often, the physician must eliminate the possibility of other lung diseases before determining that the condition is pulmonary embolism. A test called V/Q scan, a nuclear ventilation-perfusion study of the lungs, may be used, as well as a pulmonary angiography. New diagnostic methods are under investigation.
Treatment for pulmonary embolism:
Specific treatment will be determined by your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
The immediate treatment for pulmonary embolism is anticoagulant therapy to dissolve the clot and return blood flow. Oxygen and sedatives may also be used to make the patient comfortable. Surgery to remove the embolism may also be performed.
