Lungenembolie - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Definition: A pulmonary embolism, also known as a lung embolism, is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs. The blockage is usually caused by a blood clot that travels to the lungs from a vein in the leg or pelvis.
- 2. Symptoms: Common symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that may become worse when you breathe deeply or cough, rapid heart rate, cough that may produce bloody or blood-streaked sputum, and lightheadedness or fainting.
- 3. Risk factors: Risk factors for developing a pulmonary embolism include a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), surgery, prolonged immobility, cancer, obesity, smoking, pregnancy, and certain medications such as hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills.
- 4. Diagnosis: To diagnose a pulmonary embolism, your doctor may order tests such as a chest X-ray, CT scan, ventilation-perfusion scan, D-dimer blood test, and pulmonary angiography.
- 5. Treatment: Treatment for a pulmonary embolism typically involves blood-thinning medications to prevent further blood clots from forming. In some cases, procedures such as thrombolytic therapy or surgery may be necessary to remove the blood clot.
- 6. Complications: If left untreated, a pulmonary embolism can lead to serious complications such as pulmonary infarction (lung tissue death), pulmonary hypertension, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
- 7. Prevention: To reduce your risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, it is important to maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, avoid sitting or lying for long periods, stop smoking, and follow your doctor's recommendations for preventing blood clots.
- 8. Prognosis: With prompt treatment, the prognosis for a pulmonary embolism is generally good. However, the risk of recurrence is higher in individuals who have had a previous pulmonary embolism.
- 9. Long-term management: After a pulmonary embolism, you may need to take blood-thinning medications for several months or longer to prevent future blood clots. It is important to follow your doctor's recommendations for ongoing monitoring and management.
- 10. Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can help reduce your risk of developing a pulmonary embolism. It is also important to stay informed about the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism and seek medical attention if you experience any concerning symptoms.