Chronic Conditions 3 MIN READ 101 VIEWS January 14, 2025

Uncover Pulmonary Embolism Meaning in-depth and How It’s Treated

Written By HealthKart
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Aarti Nehra

When you have trouble breathing, rapid chest pain, or even pass out, it could be a sign of a dangerous condition called pulmonary embolism (PE). Pulmonary embolism meaning refers to a blockage in one or more lung arteries. About 350,000 people suffer from pulmonary embolism in the United States every year. This usually happens because of deep vein thrombosis. If a clot forms in the leg’s deep veins, a bit of it can break off and move through the blood to another part of the body, usually the lungs. As soon as possible it is important to find the pulmonary embolism symptoms so that treatment can begin right away because this blockage can lead to problems that could be life-threatening. 

Knowing about pulmonary embolism and how to treat it is essential. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and solutions to this health problem.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

The signs of a pulmonary embolism can differ based on the person’s health and the clot size. Examples of common pulmonary embolism symptoms are:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Rapid breathing and heart rate
  • Cough
  • Pale or bluish skin

Other Symptoms: 

  • Feeling anxious
  • Sweating too much
  • Getting dizzy 
  • Passing out

It’s essential to see a doctor immediately if any of these pulmonary embolism symptoms appear.

Causes and Risk Factors of Pulmonary Embolism

Blood clots that move to the lungs are often the cause of pulmonary embolism, but other things can make this condition more likely. After knowing about Pulmonary embolism meaning now discuss some common reasons are:

  • Blood pooling
  • Vein injury
  • Underlying conditions

The following groups of people are more likely to get PE:

  • Having deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Who are not active for long amounts of time.
  • Who use hormone-based birth control or hormone replacement therapy.
  • Who have a history of blood clots in your family.
  • Who smoke or have health problems like diabetes or being overweight.
  • Who are expecting or have just given birth.
  • Who are more than 60 years old.

Knowing about these pulmonary embolism causes can help people and healthcare professionals take steps to avoid them.

Diagnosing Pulmonary Embolism

To diagnose a pulmonary embolism, doctors look at the patient’s symptoms and do several tests to prove the presence of blood clots. Pulmonary embolism diagnosis tests consist of the following:

  • Blood Tests
  • CT Angiogram
  • Ultrasound
  • VQ Scan
  • Pulse Oximetry
  • Echocardiogram

Depending on how bad the pulmonary embolism diagnosis is, other tests like chest X-rays and pulmonary angiograms may be done as well.

Best Options to Manage Pulmonary Embolism

A person with a pulmonary embolism should stay in the hospital as long as possible for the best care. When researching pulmonary embolism pathophysiology to comprehend how the blockage affects the lungs and circulatory system, the major objectives are to destroy existing blood clots, prevent new ones from developing, and restore normal blood flow. Here discuss the best options to manage pulmonary embolism.

  • Anticoagulant Medications

The most common form of pulmonary embolism treatment is blood thinners, like warfarin or straight oral anticoagulants. These medicines make blood clotting harder, which stops more clots from forming. Monitoring the dose requires regular blood tests.

  • Thrombolytic Therapy

People with serious cases use thrombolytics, also known as “clot busters,” to break up clots quickly. The risk of fast bleeding makes these medicines usually only given in emergency or critical care units.

  • Compression Stockings

When you wear compression tights, your legs’ blood flow is better, and blood doesn’t pool. They are invaluable for people who have had a DVT in the past, which can lead to a pulmonary embolism. The location and size of the clot can affect the types of pulmonary embolism. Wearing compression stockings reduces the risk of clot formation.

  • Surgical Interventions

If the person’s life is in danger, the clot may need to be removed surgically or with the help of a tube. Another way to stop clots before they reach the lungs is to put a vena cava filter in the body’s largest vein. A pulmonary embolism ECG (electrocardiogram) can monitor the heart’s electrical activity to determine the clot’s effect and suggest therapy.

Preventing Pulmonary Embolism

The main goal of preventing pulmonary embolism is to lower the chance of blood clots. Some strategies are:

  • Medication Adherence
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Compression Stockings
  • Movement
  • Early Mobilisation

Key Takeaway

If you catch a pulmonary embolism early, you can get treatment. Understanding Pulmonary embolism meaning, identifying the symptoms, and being aware of the causes of pulmonary embolism can assist patients in receiving prompt medical attention. Get the correct care and prevent issues to enhance health results. Staying updated can help you avoid pulmonary embolism.

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