Pulmonary Embolism

“ It’s so wonderful that you made it just in time, you saved his life,” the doctor said to the man’s daughter, who was probably in her early 20s. 

The girl was a medical student who had gone home for the Christmas holiday. Her dad, who had raised her since her mother died, had complained of chest pain and shortness of breath, which began suddenly. She knew something was wrong and that they had to go to the hospital fast. 

Later, she would learn that pulmonary embolism was the culprit. 

What is Pulmonary Embolism? 

Also known as lung embolism, this is the blockage of blood supply to the lungs by blood clots that have moved from elsewhere in the body. Commonly, pulmonary embolism is caused by the dislodging of blood clots from the deep veins of the legs in a condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). These dislodged blood clots travel through the bloodstream to the lung. 

Pulmonary embolism is life-threatening if not noticed and treated on time. 

Risk factors of Pulmonary Embolism 

The factors that increase one’s chance of getting lung embolism include: 

• Prolonged immobility: When an individual is physically inactive for so long such as when one goes on long trips or is placed on bed rest in the hospital, the blood flow in the legs becomes sluggish, increasing the risk of blood clot formation. 
• Obesity: Individuals who are obese are more likely to develop blood clots in the legs than those who have normal weight. This is because obesity alters the levels of factors that cause clotting. Also, obesity could reduce an individual’s physical activity and promote blood clot formation.  
• Pregnancy: The weight of the pregnant uterus places more pressure on the legs and impedes blood flow from the legs. Clots then form. 

Surgery: Surgeries, especially those involving the legs, are one of the most common causes of blood clot formation. This is why clinicians administer medications to prevent clotting in these patients. 

• Cancer: Certain cancers particularly tumors that have spread to other areas of the body can cause pulmonary embolism. 
• Heart disease: Problems with the heart, which is the blood pumping machine of the body, could lead to blood clot formation. 
• Smoking. 
• Birth control pills (oral contraceptives). 
• Age: The chance of having pulmonary embolism increases with age. 
• Family history of blood clotting disorders 

Symptoms of Pulmonary embolism 

Symptoms of blood clots lodged in the lungs include: 

• Shortness of breath or fast breathing. 
• Cough, which could be bloody. 
• Chest pain, especially while breathing. 
• Light-headedness. 
• Fast heart rate or palpitations. 
• Excessive sweating. 
• Fever. 
• Leg pain or swelling caused by deep vein thrombosis. 
• Bluish skin. 

Prevention and Treatment 

Preventing deep venous thrombosis helps prevent pulmonary embolism; here are methods to prevent this condition: 

• Use of anticoagulants or blood thinners like warfarin. These are used to break up the clot 
• Use of compression stockings to prevent clot formation 
• Increased physical activity 
• Placing the patient on oxygen, depending on the severity of the embolism 
• Surgery to remove the clot blocking blood flow 

Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening condition that occurs when clots block blood flow to the lungs. It often occurs because of a build up of clots in the legs (DVT), which could occur as a result of prolonged immobility, heart disease, or problems with blood clotting. Pulmonary embolism is potentially life-threatening if not detected and treated early.