Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition where one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot, fat globule, or gas bubble. Symptoms:
# Major Symptoms
1. *Sudden chest pain*: Sharp, stabbing, or burning sensation
2. *Shortness of breath*: Rapid breathing or feeling winded
3. *Rapid heart rate*: Tachycardia or palpitations
4. *Cough*: Dry or producing bloody mucus
5. *Lightheadedness*: Dizziness or fainting
# Minor Symptoms
1. Anxiety or panic
2. Sweating
3. Pale or blue-tinged skin
4. Confusion
5. Weakness
# Causes
1. Blood clots (thrombi) from deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
2. Fat embolism (e.g., from fractures)
3. Air embolism (e.g., from medical procedures)
4. Amniotic fluid embolism (during childbirth)
5. Tumor embolism
# Risk Factors
1. Immobility (e.g., long flights, bed rest)
2. Cancer
3. Surgery
4. Trauma
5. Genetic disorders (e.g., factor V Leiden)
6. Age (over 40)
7. Obesity
8. Smoking
# Diagnosis
1. CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA)
2. Ventilation-perfusion scan (V/Q scan)
3. Pulmonary angiogram
4. D-dimer blood test
5. Echocardiogram
# Treatment
1. Anticoagulants (e.g., heparin, warfarin)
2. Thrombolytics (e.g., alteplase)
3. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter
4. Oxygen therapy
5. Pain management
6. Supportive care
# Complications
1. Cardiac arrest
2. Respiratory failure
3. Pulmonary infarction
4. Recurrent PE
5. Chronic pulmonary hypertension
# Prognosis
Mortality rate: 10-30% if untreated. Prompt medical attention essential.
# Prevention
1. Mobility exercises
2. Compression stockings
3. Anticoagulant therapy
4. Quit smoking
5. Maintain healthy weight
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