What is a pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body.

Most commonly, pulmonary embolisms are caused by blood clots that originate in the veins of the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and travel to the lungs.

Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain that may become worse when breathing in, and a cough that may produce bloody or blood-streaked sputum.

Diagnosis may involve imaging tests such as a CT scan or a ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan, along with blood tests like the D-dimer test.

Risk factors include prolonged immobilization, surgery, cancer, certain genetic conditions, smoking, obesity, and a history of DVT or pulmonary embolism.

Yes, a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening if not treated promptly, as it can lead to significant damage to the lungs and other organs due to reduced blood flow and oxygen levels.

Treatments typically include anticoagulant medications to prevent further clotting, thrombolytic therapy, and in some cases, surgical interventions like embolectomy or placement of a vena cava filter.

Prevention strategies include maintaining an active lifestyle, using anticoagulant medications if prescribed, wearing compression stockings, and avoiding long periods of immobility.

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs, which can lead to pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs.

The duration of treatment with anticoagulants may vary from person to person but often lasts for at least 3-6 months, or longer if there are ongoing risk factors.

Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, are medications that prevent new clots from forming and existing clots from growing, helping to manage and treat pulmonary embolism.

Yes, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and weight management are often recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence.

A V/Q scan is a nuclear medicine test that uses radioactive material to examine airflow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) in the lungs.

Yes, long periods of immobility, such as during long flights or car rides, can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to pulmonary embolism.

Compression stockings are specially designed socks that apply pressure to your lower legs, helping maintain blood flow and reduce swelling, and are often used to prevent DVT.

Yes, pulmonary embolism can recur. Prevention includes regular medical check-ups, adherence to medication regimens, and lifestyle modifications like staying active and avoiding prolonged immobility.

The prognosis varies depending on the size of the clot and how quickly treatment begins, but many people recover completely with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes.

Yes, cancer and certain cancer treatments can increase the risk of blood clots developing, which may lead to pulmonary embolism.

Yes, pregnancy increases the risk of blood clots due to changes in blood flow and hormone levels, making it a risk factor for pulmonary embolism.

Thrombolytic therapy involves the use of drugs to dissolve or break up blood clots quickly and is typically used in emergency situations for severe cases of pulmonary embolism.