I will like to commend you on your write up last week on “Deep Vein Thrombosis” as a tribute to a journalist that died outside Nigeria recently. Please can you this week elaborate on one of the complications that you mentioned ‘Pulmonary Embolism’. Wishing you all the best.
Ms Rashida V.
Pulmonary Embolism“is the sudden blockage of a major blood vessel (artery) in the lung, usually by a blood clot. In most cases, the clots are small and are not deadly, but they can damage the lung. But if the clot is large and stops blood flow to the lung, it can be deadly.”
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism?
• Sudden shortness of breath.
• Sharp chest pain that is worse when you cough or take a deep breath.
• A cough that brings up pink, foamy mucus.
• Pulmonary Embolismcan also cause more general symptoms. For example, you may feel anxious or on edge, sweat a lot, feel lightheaded or faint, or have a fast heart rate or palpitations
What causes pulmonary embolism?
• In most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by a blood clot in the leg that breaks loose and travels to the lungs. A blood clot in a vein close to the skin is not likely to cause problems. But having blood clots in deep veins (deep vein thrombosis) can lead to pulmonary embolism.
• Other things can block an artery, such as tumors, air bubbles, amniotic fluid, or fat that is released into the blood vessels when a bone is broken. But these are rare.
What increases your risk of pulmonary embolism?
Anything that makes you more likely to form blood clots increases your risk of pulmonary embolism. Some people are born with blood that clots too quickly. Other things that can increase your risk include:
• Being inactive for long periods. This can happen when you have to stay in bed after surgery or a serious illness, or when you sit for a long time on a flight or car trip.
• Recent surgery that involved the legs, hips, belly, or brain.
• Some diseases, such as cancer, heart failure, stroke, or a severe infection.
• Pregnancy and childbirth (especially if you had a cesarean section).
• Taking birth control pills or hormone therapy.
• Smoking
• You are also at higher risk for blood clots if you are an older adult (especially older than 70) or extremely overweight (obese)
How is pulmonary embolism diagnosed?
It may be hard to diagnose pulmonary embolism, because the symptoms are like those of many other problems, such as a heart attack, a panic attack, or pneumonia. A doctor will start by doing a physical exam and asking questions about your past health and your symptoms. This helps the doctor decide if you are at high risk for pulmonary embolism.
Common tests include blood tests, CT- Scan
How is it treated and prevented?
• Treatment with medicines called anticoagulants. They help prevent new clots and keep existing clots from growing.
• If symptoms are severe and life-threatening, “clot-busting” drugs called thrombolytics may be used. These medicines can dissolve clots quickly, but they increase the risk of serious bleeding. Another option is surgery or a minimally invasive procedure to remove the clot (embolectomy).
• You can reduce your risk of pulmonary embolism by doing things that help prevent blood clots in your legs.
• Avoid sitting for long periods. Get up and walk around every hour or so, or flex your feet often.
• Get moving as soon as you can after surgery.
• When you travel, drink extra fluids.
