Summary about Disease
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). PE can damage the lung and other organs in the body. If untreated, pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
Sudden shortness of breath
Chest pain (may worsen with deep breathing or coughing)
Cough (may produce bloody sputum)
Rapid heart rate
Lightheadedness or fainting
Leg pain or swelling (usually in one leg)
Clammy or discolored skin
Anxiety
Excessive sweating
Causes
The most common cause is blood clots, usually originating in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis or DVT). Factors increasing the risk of blood clots include:
Prolonged immobility (e.g., long flights, bed rest)
Surgery
Certain medical conditions (e.g., cancer, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease)
Pregnancy
Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
Smoking
Obesity
Family history of blood clots
Inherited clotting disorders
Medicine Used
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners): Heparin (various forms), Warfarin, Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) like Rivaroxaban, Apixaban, Edoxaban, and Dabigatran.
Thrombolytics (Clot Dissolvers): Used in severe cases to rapidly dissolve the clot.
Pain relievers: For chest pain.
Oxygen Therapy: To help with breathing.
Is Communicable
No, pulmonary embolism is not communicable. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
Move regularly during long periods of sitting or lying down.
Wear compression stockings.
Take blood thinners as prescribed after surgery or during periods of immobility.
Manage Risk Factors:
Maintain a healthy weight.
Quit smoking.
Manage underlying medical conditions.
Stay Hydrated
How long does an outbreak last?
Pulmonary embolism is not an outbreak-related disease. It's a medical condition that develops in an individual. The duration of treatment and recovery varies depending on the severity of the PE, the presence of underlying conditions, and the individual's response to treatment. Treatment with anticoagulants can last for months or even indefinitely.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Exam and Medical History: Assessing symptoms and risk factors.
D-dimer Blood Test: Elevated levels suggest a blood clot, but further testing is needed.
CT Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA): The most common imaging test to visualize blood clots in the lungs.
Ventilation-Perfusion (V/Q) Scan: Another imaging test used if CTPA is not possible.
Pulmonary Angiography: An invasive procedure, rarely used now, involving injecting dye into the pulmonary arteries.
Echocardiogram: Can help assess the impact of PE on the heart.
Leg Ultrasound: To check for DVT in the legs.
EKG: Detects for any heart abnormalities
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset of symptoms can be sudden. Here's a general progression:
Acute (Immediate): Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, lightheadedness.
Subacute (Days): Symptoms persist, possibly worsening. Cough, leg pain/swelling may develop.
Chronic (Long-term, if untreated): Persistent shortness of breath, fatigue, pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).
Important Considerations
Severity: PE can range from mild to life-threatening.
Prompt Treatment: Immediate medical attention is crucial.
Risk Factors: Understanding and managing risk factors is essential for prevention.
Long-Term Management: Some individuals may require lifelong anticoagulation therapy.
Follow-up Care: Regular monitoring is important to assess for complications and adjust treatment as needed.
Right Ventricular Dysfunction: Severe PE can lead to the heart's right ventricle struggling to pump blood, leading to shock and death.