Summary about Disease
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs. This blockage is most often caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from deep veins in the legs or, rarely, from veins in other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). PE can damage the lung and other organs and cause low oxygen levels in the blood. Large or multiple PEs can be fatal.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:
Shortness of breath (sudden onset or worsening)
Chest pain (sharp, stabbing; may worsen with deep breathing or coughing)
Cough (may produce bloody sputum)
Rapid heartbeat
Lightheadedness or fainting
Leg pain or swelling (usually in one leg)
Clammy or discolored skin
Excessive sweating
Causes
The primary cause of pulmonary embolism is a blood clot, most often originating from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), typically in the legs. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing DVT and, subsequently, PE include:
Prolonged immobility (e.g., long flights, bed rest after surgery)
Surgery
Certain medical conditions (e.g., cancer, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease)
Inherited clotting disorders
Pregnancy
Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
Obesity
Smoking
Medicine Used
The main types of medications used to treat pulmonary embolism are:
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners): These medications prevent new clots from forming and prevent existing clots from growing. Examples include heparin, warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) like rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, and dabigatran.
Thrombolytics (Clot Busters): These drugs are used in severe cases to rapidly dissolve the clot. They are associated with a higher risk of bleeding.
Pain relievers: To manage chest pain and discomfort.
Is Communicable
No, a pulmonary embolism is not a communicable disease. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Precautions to help prevent pulmonary embolism, particularly in individuals at risk, include:
Regular Movement: Avoid prolonged immobility. If traveling long distances, get up and move around periodically.
Compression Stockings: Wear compression stockings, especially during travel or prolonged sitting.
Anticoagulant Medication: For individuals at high risk (e.g., after surgery), doctors may prescribe preventative anticoagulant medication.
Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, and stay hydrated.
How long does an outbreak last?
Pulmonary embolism isn't an outbreak-related disease. It is a medical condition that occurs in individuals due to the presence of a blood clot. The duration of treatment varies, depending on the cause of the PE and the person's risk factors. Treatment with anticoagulants can last anywhere from 3 months to lifelong.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism typically involves:
Medical History and Physical Exam: Review of symptoms and risk factors.
Blood Tests: D-dimer test (to rule out the presence of blood clots) and other blood tests to assess overall health.
Imaging Tests:
CT Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA): The most common and accurate test.
Ventilation/Perfusion (V/Q) Scan: May be used if CTPA is not possible (e.g., due to kidney problems or pregnancy).
Pulmonary Angiography: Rarely used; considered the gold standard but is invasive.
Echocardiogram: May show signs of strain on the right side of the heart.
Doppler Ultrasound: Of legs to check for DVT.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset and progression of symptoms can vary:
Acute PE: Symptoms develop suddenly, often within minutes to hours. These symptoms may include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and rapid heartbeat.
Subacute PE: Symptoms develop over a period of days to weeks, with gradually worsening shortness of breath and fatigue.
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH): Occurs when a PE doesn't resolve properly, leading to long-term shortness of breath and other symptoms.
Important Considerations
Pulmonary embolism is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and death.
If you experience symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.
Individuals with risk factors for DVT/PE should discuss preventative measures with their doctor.
Adherence to prescribed anticoagulant therapy is essential to prevent recurrent clots.
Long-term follow-up may be necessary to monitor for complications, such as CTEPH.