Pulmonary Embolism
Description
A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the arteries of the lungs caused by a blood clot that often travels from the legs or another part of the body. It is a serious condition that can cause sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, fainting, or a feeling of anxiety or dizziness. Risk factors include long periods of sitting or bed rest, recent surgery, pregnancy, certain medicines, cancer, smoking, obesity, and a history of clots; in India, people with limited mobility after illness or after surgery may be at higher risk. It is a medical emergency that requires urgent evaluation in a hospital, so seek immediate care at a government or private healthcare facility or call emergency services if you have sudden chest symptoms. This description is for general understanding; always consult a qualified doctor in India for personal medical advice and emergencies.
Common Symptoms
1) Sudden chest pain or pressure that may worsen with deep breathing, coughing, or movement
2) Shortness of breath that starts suddenly
3) Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
4) Cough, which may produce blood
5) Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
6) Excessive sweating, anxiety, or a feeling of impending doom
7) Swelling, warmth, or redness in one leg (calf or thigh) suggesting a possible DVT
8) Bluish tint to lips or fingertips (cyanosis) in more severe cases
9) If you notice these symptoms, seek urgent medical care in India by calling 112 or going to the nearest emergency department
Causes
Pulmonary embolism is usually caused by a blood clot that travels from a deep vein in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) to the lungs.
Major risk factors include prolonged immobility (long train or air travel, bed rest after surgery).
Recent surgery (especially hip or knee), cancer, and pregnancy or the postpartum period increase risk.
Hormonal medicines like combined birth control pills or hormone therapy, obesity, smoking, older age, and a personal or family history of clots also raise risk.
Other factors include inherited clotting disorders and certain medical conditions or use of central venous catheters.
If you have concerns or symptoms, consult a qualified doctor in India promptly; seek urgent care if you develop sudden chest pain or trouble breathing.
Treatment Options
Pulmonary embolism is usually treated in hospital with stabilization and oxygen if needed, followed by quick assessment of severity.
The main treatment is anticoagulation (blood thinners) started in hospital and continued long?term, using medicines commonly used in India such as DOACs or warfarin.
In massive or unstable PE, thrombolytic therapy (clot?busting medicines) or catheter?directed clot removal may be considered.
If medicines cannot be used, a surgical embolectomy or catheter?based clot extraction may be done.
An IVC filter may be placed in some cases to prevent future clots from reaching the lungs.
Lifestyle and follow?up include gradual activity, staying mobile, avoiding prolonged sitting, not smoking, leg exercises, and regular monitoring with a clinician in India.
Always consult a qualified doctor or local healthcare provider in India for personal medical decisions or emergencies.