PE (Pulmonary Embolism)A pulmonary embolism is a type of blood clot that is found in your lungs. Show
What is a PE? What is a PE?A pulmonary embolism is a type of blood clot that is found in your lungs. What causes a PE?A pulmonary embolism is often caused by one or more blood clots (called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The clot travels from your leg or arm to a main artery (known as the pulmonary artery) in your lungs. The ability for your blood to clot is a normal function, typically as a response to an injury (to prevent excessive blood loss). However, in some cases blood clots can cause complications. When a blood clot travels to your lungs it can result in serious damage. A blood clot can reduce the amount of oxygen in your body and can damage your lungs and other organs. A pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency, and it can be fatal (cause death). The image below illustrates pulmonary embolism. (Click on image to enlarge) The risk factors for a pulmonary embolism include:
In rare cases, a blockage in the pulmonary artery can be a result of something other than a blood clot, like an air bubble or tumour. What are the signs and symptoms of a PE?Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism typically come on suddenly, and you should seek urgent medical attention if you experience the following:
Symptoms of a DVT include the following:
If a DVT is found earlier enough, doctors can reduce the risk of a pulmonary embolism. It is important that you seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the above DVT symptoms as well. What are the possible tests to diagnose a PE?Typically your doctor will talk through your symptoms as well as examine you. You will most likely require a number of tests, which could include:
What are the possible procedures and treatments for PE?
What is the future plan if you have a PE?If you have had a pulmonary embolism, the following options may help reduce your risk of a blood clot forming in the future:
What are the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?Lightheadedness or dizziness. Excessive sweating. Fever. Leg pain or swelling, or both, usually in the calf caused by a deep vein thrombosis.. Shortness of breath. This symptom typically appears suddenly and always gets worse with exertion.. Chest pain. ... . Cough.. What are the most common presenting signs and symptoms associated with a pulmonary embolism PE )?Dyspnea, chest pain, and cough are the most frequent symptoms of PE, while fever, tachycardia, abnormal pulmonary signs, and peripheral vascular collapse are the most common physical findings.
What is the most common presenting symptom in PE?PE has a wide variety of presenting features, ranging from no symptoms to shock or sudden death [5-8]. The most common presenting symptom is dyspnea followed by chest pain (classically pleuritic but often dull) and cough.
What is the clinical symptom of embolism?If you have a pulmonary embolism you'll have a sharp or stabbing chest pain that starts suddenly or comes on gradually. Shortness of breath, coughing up blood and feeling faint or dizzy, or passing out are also common symptoms. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in the deep veins of your leg.
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