Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks and stops blood flow to an artery in the lung. In most cases, the blood clot starts in a deep vein in the leg and travels to the lung. Rarely, the clot forms in a vein in another part of the body. When a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, it's called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Because one or more clots block blood flow to the lungs, pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. However, prompt treatment greatly reduces the risk of death. Taking measures to prevent blood clots in your legs will help protect you against pulmonary embolism.
== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism include:
*Chest pain
*Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
*Nausea and vomiting
*Cough
*Coughing blood
*Rapid or irregular heartbeat
*Dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo
*Leg pain or swelling, or both, usually in the back of the lower leg
*Clammy or discolored skin, called cyanosis
*Fainting (usually occurs in severe cases)
*Loss of consciousness (usually occurs in severe cases)
== Causes ==
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a clump of material, most often a blood clot, gets stuck in an artery in the lungs, blocking the flow of blood. Blood clots most commonly come from the deep veins of your legs, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis.
In many cases, multiple clots are involved. The portions of lung served by each blocked artery can't get blood and may die. This is known as a pulmonary infarction. This makes it more difficult for your lungs to provide oxygen to the rest of your body.
Occasionally, blockages in the blood vessels are caused by substances other than blood clots, such as:
*Fat from the inside of a broken long bone
*Part of a tumor
*Air bubbles
== Treatment ==
Treatment of a pulmonary embolism focuses on keeping the blood clot from getting bigger and preventing new clots from forming. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent serious complications or death. Treatment can include medicines, surgery and other procedures, and ongoing care.
Category:Respiratory system
Category:Deadly
Category:Blood clots