Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism refers to a blocked artery in your lung. It’s usually caused by blood clots that travel from the leg to the lungs and can be life-threatening.
Left untreated, a pulmonary embolism can lead to permanent lung damage and a serious, but rare, condition called chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED). CTED occurs when a blood clot is not reabsorbed by the body, which can damage the blood vessels in your lungs. This makes it difficult for blood to flow normally and increases strain on the right side of your heart.
Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism
About half of people with a pulmonary embolism don’t have symptoms, but people who do may notice:
- Chest pain
- Coughing that produces blood
- Pain or swelling in the leg
- Shortness of breath
Anyone experiencing symptoms of a pulmonary embolism should seek immediate medical attention.
Diagnosing and treating pulmonary embolism
To diagnosis a pulmonary embolism, you may need to undergo imaging tests such as CT scans or chest X-rays as well as blood tests. Your pulmonologist will evaluate your current health and the severity of your condition to customize a treatment plan for you.
Treatment options may include:
Medications. Some medications, known as thrombolytics, dissolve blood clots. Other medications called blood thinners keep blood clots from getting bigger and prevent new ones from forming.
Surgery. Some patients may benefit from surgery to remove a blood clot from the lungs or to implant a filter that traps large clots, keeping them from getting to the lungs.