The lungs receive blood from the heart for oxygenation through the pulmonary artery. This oxygenated blood returns to the heart and is supplied to other body parts. Sometimes a blood clot may get caught in one of these arteries connecting the heart and lung. This condition is called a pulmonary embolism, and it restricts the natural flow of blood. The following article talks about the causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatments for pulmonary embolism.
The causes of pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism generally occurs because of the clots that stem from the deep veins in the legs. This condition is known as DVT — deep vein thrombosis. Apart from DVT, other substances can also lead to blood clots. These are a part of a tumor, air bubbles that may get trapped in the pulmonary artery, a fat embolus caused by a broken long bone, or amniotic fluid embolus.
These developments often lead to clots in multiple arteries, which supply blood to various regions of the lung. These regions eventually stop functioning because of the lack of blood supply and make it difficult for the damaged lung to provide oxygen to the body.
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism differ from person to person. It also depends on whether there is an existing lung or heart disease and the size of the clots. The symptoms that may result from the health condition include:
Pain in the chest
You might feel a sharp pain when you take a deep breath. The pain may force you to cut short the breath and might also be felt while coughing. Further, the chest pain might feel like you’re having a heart attack.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is a symptom that occurs suddenly and can worsen with exertion.
Coughing
Apart from the stinging pain, you may find blood-streaked sputum when you cough.
Other symptoms should also be treated as a sign of caution. These include dizziness, fever, an irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, pain in the legs, or discolored skin.
The risk factors associated with pulmonary embolism
The condition may affect anyone. But those whose family members were affected by pulmonary embolism or venous blood clots are at a greater risk of developing it. Other conditions that may lead to pulmonary embolism are:
Medical conditions
Medical conditions like heart diseases, cancers, genetic disorders, and COVID-19 can put one at risk of developing blood clots.
Reduced body movement
Not moving for a prolonged duration may lead to pulmonary embolism. The condition might occur when you are confined to a bed for a long time. It may also occur in situations where you sit in one position for too long or if you have a cast.
Miscellaneous factors
Excessive weight and pregnancy can lead to pulmonary embolism. Further, consuming supplemental estrogen through hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills may lead to blocked arteries.
Surgical treatments
If the correct medication is not administered before and after surgery, it may result in pulmonary embolism.
Age
As you age, the chances of developing health conditions are likely to increase. Such developments are especially noticed in people over forty years of age.
Diagnosing pulmonary embolism
Though diagnosing the condition is difficult, the doctor may resort to medical methods to assert whether a blood clot exists or not. A few diagnosis methods include understanding your medical history, conducting a physical exam, running blood tests, and running imaging tests.
Methods to prevent pulmonary embolism
The objective of treating pulmonary embolism is to prevent blood clots from forming deep in the veins. The treatment methods might be challenging, especially if you’ve been on bed rest after a surgery or illness or if you’ve sat in one place for too long. However, there are methods to prevent the health condition, such as:
Compression stockings
Compression stockings are long socks that squeeze your legs. Excessive pressure enables blood to move from the veins and leg muscles. These socks might need to be worn for a significant amount of time after surgery.
Leg elevation
Raise the bottom of your bed by 4 to 6 inches with objects at night. Now keep your legs on the elevated portion while you sleep. Doing so can help curb the risk of blood clots.
Stretching
Stretching can help increase the flow of blood to other parts of the body. You should stretch your body or walk around regularly to keep the blood clots away.
Lifestyle changes
A positive lifestyle is vital when it comes to our well-being. So it is recommended to eat healthy foods daily and maintain a healthy weight to improve your overall health.
Lastly, if you think you may have symptoms of pulmonary embolism, or if you want to try out any of these treatment methods listed above, speak to a trained professional first.
