What is Pulmonary Embolism?
A pulmonary embolism is a closure of the pulmonary artery through a blood clot. The pulmonary artery is the blood vessel that runs from the heart to the lungs. From the heart, the pulmonary artery branches into smaller and smaller blood vessels. The pulmonary artery carries blood with little oxygen to the alveoli. The blood absorbs oxygen there. Via the pulmonary vein the oxygen-rich blood goes to the heart, which pumps the blood through the body.
Pulmonary Embolism Causes
There are several things that can increase the chance of a pulmonary embolism:
- Too little movement
- Overweight
- Abdominal surgery
- A fracture in the leg, pelvis or hip
- High bloodpressure
- Lung diseases
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Certain types of cancer
- Genetic predisposition
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- The birth control pill
Signs And Symptoms Of Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot In Lung)
The symptoms of a pulmonary embolism depend on a number of things. This makes it clear where the clot is located in the lungs, how large the pulmonary embolism is and how healthy you are.
- a stuffy feeling
- chestpain
- cough, sometimes blood is there
- accelerated breathing
- increased heart rate
- to sweat
- light in the head
- a weak pulse heartbeat
Do you have these complaints? Then go to a doctor as soon as possible.
Test For Pulmonary Embolism
Determining a pulmonary embolism is difficult. The doctor asks you a number of questions. In this way he tries to find out where your symptoms are coming from. Then he does a physical examination, listening to your lungs with a stethoscope. To be able to make a good diagnosis, the doctor can do some tests.
- Blood test
- Ultrasound
- CT-scan
- Heart fuck (ECG)
- X-ray of the lungs
Pulmonary Embolism Treatment
The goal of treating a pulmonary embolism is to prevent the clot from spreading and prevent the formation of new clots. This happens with blood thinners. You will receive blood thinners via an injection. At the same time, you will receive blood thinning tablets. If the blood is thin enough, the injections can stop.
You use the blood thinners for about three to six months.
Treatment always starts at the hospital. Depending on your symptoms and the size of the pulmonary embolism, admission is necessary. In most cases you can return home the same day.
Pulmonary Embolism Prevention
If you have had thrombosis, it is more likely that you will get it again. You can do a number of things yourself to prevent thrombosis as much as possible:
- Take your medication
- Provide sufficient exercise (sports)
- Eat healthy
- If you smoke, stop