Pulmonary embolism
Overview
A pulmonary embolism is when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in your lungs. It can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include: difficulty breathing that comes on suddenlychest pain that's worse when you breathe incoughing up blood You may also have pain, redness and swelling in one of your legs (usually the calf). These are symptoms of a blood clot, also calledDVT (deep vein thrombosis).
Causes
Blood clot in lungs (usually from DVT in leg). Risk: Immobility; Surgery; Travel; Cancer; Pill.
Treatment
Emergency! Anticoagulants (Heparin/Warfarin/Apixaban) to thin blood. Thrombolysis (dissolve clot).
Prevention
Move legs during travel; Compression stockings; Anticoagulants after surgery.
When to see a doctor
Call 999 immediately if: sudden difficulty breathing/chest pain.