Pulmonary artery embolism
Pulmonary artery embolism is a blockage of one of the pulmonary arteries In most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the lower extremities (deep vein thrombosis) and rarely from other parts of the body.
Because pulmonary embolism is almost always associated with deep vein thrombosis, doctors call the two conditions together venous thromboembolism.
Although anyone can develop deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, factors such as inactivity, cancer, and surgery increase the risk.
Pulmonary artery thromboembolism can become life-threatening, but timely treatment significantly reduces the risk of death. Taking measures to avoid the formation of blood clots in the lower extremities will protect a person from developing an embolism.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a mass of material, usually a blood clot, becomes lodged in a pulmonary artery. These blood clots usually form in the deep veins of the lower extremities, although they may originate in other parts of the body. This condition is also called deep vein thrombosis
In rare cases, the pulmonary vessels are not blocked by blood clots, but by other substances:
- Fatty substance from the bone marrow as a result of the fracture of the barrel bone
- Part of the tumor
- Air bubble
Rarely only the pulmonary artery is blocked In most cases, the condition involves multiple blood clots that may develop over a period of time Clogged arteries cause lung tissue previously supplied with nutrients and oxygen by these blood vessels to die. This condition is called pulmonary infarction As a result of this process, it is difficult for the lungs to supply the body with oxygen
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism vary and depend on the amount of lung tissue involved, the size of the blood clot, and your general health, especially if you have any lung or heart disease.
Frequent symptoms:
- shortness of breath This condition usually develops rapidly and worsens with physical exertion
- Pain in the chest The patient may feel like having a heart attack The pain is aggravated by deep breathing, coughing, eating and bending at the waist The pain increases with physical exertion, but does not ease during the rest period
- Cough Coughing may produce bloody sputum
Other symptoms of pulmonary embolism:
- pain and swelling of the lower extremities or both, especially in the lower leg
- sticky or discolored skin (cyanosis)
- fever
- excessive sweating
Get emergency medical help if you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up bloody sputum
