WHAT IS A PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE) 

When a blood clot gets caught in one of the arteries that go from the heart to the lungs, it is termed pulmonary embolism (PE). This clot blocks the normal flow of blood and is likely to  damage the lungs and expose other organs in the body to harm, too.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE)

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Bloody cough 

• Back pain

• Over sweating

• A lightheaded feeling, or passing out

• Blue lips or nails

In addition, must see a doctor right away if notice any of the symptoms of DVT, such as : 

• Swollen leg or arm - warmer than usual 

• Leg pain or tenderness 

• Red or discolored skin in the affected arm or leg

• Veins in arm or leg seeming larger than normal 

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS FOR PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE)

When a clot forms in a deep vein in  legs, it is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If it breaks off and travels to the lungs, it becomes a PE. Risk factors include:

• Being immobile for a prolonged period of time

• Having alterations in normal blood flow

• Hypercoagulability

• Smoking, cancer, recent surgery, or pregnancy 

• Trauma to lower leg 

• In rare cases, an air bubble or part of a tumour too can block the vein

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 

• The doctor is likely to start with a physical exam. He’ll look closely at patient’s legs to see if they’re swollen, tender, discolored, or warm. 

• As a next step, the doctor may order a battery of tests, such as  chest x-ray or ultrasounds. 

• He might also order blood tests to  measure the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood, in addition which can also help the doctor detect a substance called D dimer- a small protein fragment that’s present in the blood after a clot is broken down by the body.

• Other tests might include - Computed tomographic angiography (CTPA), Ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan, Pulmonary angiography, MRI , Echocardiogram, etc

Pulmonary embolism (PE) can be tackled through some of the most common ways, such as: 

• Blood Thinners- the commonmost treatment for a blood clot in the lung. 

• Prescribing of Compression stockings

• In life-threatening situations, doctors might use thrombolytic drugs 

• In carefully selected cases, Catheter is another emergency treatment

• Rarely an operation may be needed to remove a clot from the lung, etc 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

When to see a Doctor

PE is a medical emergency whose symptoms tend to come on unexpectedly and Doctor’s aid needs availed almost immediately.  

Prevention

If a person observes evident signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE), one  must instantly avail medical help.