Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms
Pulmonary embolism symptoms usually occurs suddenly from a sudden blockage in a lung artery, usually due to a blood clot that traveled to the lung from the leg.
A clot that forms in one part of the body and travels in the bloodstream to
another part of the body is called an embolus.
Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition that can cause:
- Permanent damage to part of your lung from lack of blood flow to lung
tissue
- Low oxygen levels in your blood
- Damage to other organs in your body from not getting enough oxygen.
If a clot is large, or if there are many clots, pulmonary embolism can cause
death.
In most cases, pulmonary embolism is a complication of a condition called
deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In DVT, blood clots form in the deep veins of the
body, most often in the legs. These clots can break free, travel to the lung,
and block an artery.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
- Unexplained shortness of breath
- Chest pain that gets worse with a deep breath, coughing, or chest movement
- Coughing up blood.
Sometimes, small pulmonary emboli can occur over time. These emboli may cause
a more gradual onset of symptoms.
General, less-specific symptoms may occur, including:
- Fainting
- Rapid breathing
- Anxiety or feelings of dread
- Lightheadedness
- Sweating.
- Increased heart rate
Some people with pulmonary embolism only have symptoms of DVT. These include:
- Swelling of the leg or swelling along the vein in the leg.
- Pain or tenderness in the leg. The pain is usually only in one leg. You
might only have pain when standing or walking.
- Feeling of increased warmth in the area of the leg that is swollen or that
hurts.
- Red or discolored skin on the affected leg.
Symptoms of pulmonary emboli vary depending on the amount of blood flow
blocked in the lung by clots. Large clots or many clots are life threatening and
cause more severe symptoms. Smaller clots cause fewer symptoms or no symptoms at
all. It is important that you see your doctor immediately if you have any
symptoms of pulmonary embolism or DVT.
Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms to
P
|
