The clot may have travelled in the blood stream from a vein in the pelvis, abdomen or in the leg, through the veins of the body, through the heart and into the lung. A damaged heart can also be the cause of these clots. Apart from that, some other situations may also increase the risk of an embolus in the lung. Elderly people, especially if they have to spend a lot of time in bed.
Cancer increases the risk even more.
Due to the risk of getting an embolus in the lung, it is important that elderly people don't lie in bed more than is absolutely necessary. Those who have undergone an operation, should try to walk around gently as soon possible, in accordance with their doctor's instructions. You may cough up blood in your phlegm. You start feeling uncomfortable, nervous and anxious. In the days that follow you have a slight fever and feel exhausted but after a while you are better and the symptoms may disappear within a couple of weeks.