Pulmonary embolism means

Written by Wang Li Bing

Intensive Care Medicine Department

Updated on September 11, 2024

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The formation of thrombotic foreign bodies in the human venous system or the right atrium and ventricle system, ultimately leading to the blockage in the pulmonary artery, is referred to as pulmonary embolism. After the onset of pulmonary embolism, patients may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and even coughing up blood. It is crucial to immediately conduct a pulmonary artery CTA scan for further diagnosis. If the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism is confirmed, thrombolytic or interventional treatments can be considered.

Other Voices

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Written by Wei Shi Liang

Intensive Care Unit

38sec

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Is pulmonary embolism related to pneumonia?

If unexplained shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, and decreased oxygen saturation occur, one should be highly vigilant about pulmonary embolism. Generally, pulmonary embolism has no direct relationship with pneumonia. High-risk factors for pulmonary embolism include obesity, prolonged immobilization, stroke, congestive heart failure, malignant tumor, inflammatory bowel disease, lower limb fracture, anesthesia time exceeding 30 minutes, and acquired or genetic hypercoagulable state. It usually manifests as difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and pleuritic chest pain.

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Written by An Yong Peng

Pulmonology

49sec

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How is pulmonary embolism caused in young people?

Common causes of pulmonary embolism in young people include the following aspects: First, fractures, especially fractures of the lower limbs, are prone to deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism; Second, thrombophilia, some young people due to congenital genetic factors, which can lead to easy formation of blood clots in arteries or veins, and potentially increase the incidence of pulmonary embolism; Third, prolonged immobilization, such as long periods of sitting, can lead to slow blood flow in the lower limbs, which might result in deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism; Fourth, other factors like severe infections could also trigger pulmonary embolism; furthermore, the risk of pulmonary embolism is also higher in pregnant women during the perinatal period.

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Written by Yuan Qing

Pulmonology

1min 4sec

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What are the symptoms when pulmonary embolism becomes severe?

Pulmonary embolism can vary in severity, with serious cases primarily causing unstable vital signs. The disease primarily arises from venous thrombi in the venous system, which travel with the venous blood back to the right heart, and then with the blood flow from the right heart back to the aorta. If the thrombus is relatively large, it can easily become lodged in the pulmonary artery, forming a pulmonary embolism. The symptoms of pulmonary embolism can range from mild to severe. Based on the patient's symptoms and vital signs, pulmonary embolism is categorized into low risk, intermediate risk, and high risk. Low and intermediate risk typically indicate that the patient's vital signs are relatively stable, with normal blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse oximetry saturation. In severe cases, patients may exhibit noticeable symptoms such as coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, shock, and oliguria. These represent the more severe cases of pulmonary embolism.

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Written by Wei Shi Liang

Intensive Care Unit

1min 35sec

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How long does the treatment for pulmonary embolism take?

The timing of pulmonary embolism treatment mainly depends on the severity of the pulmonary embolism. The main goals of pulmonary embolism treatment are to save lives by addressing life-threatening right heart dysfunction and obstructive shock caused by the pulmonary embolism, to re-establish pulmonary vascular patency, restore lung tissue perfusion, and prevent the recurrence of pulmonary embolism. Main treatment methods include: respiratory and circulatory support, anticoagulation, thrombolysis, interventional or surgical removal of blood clots, placement of inferior vena cava filters, etc. General management: Patients who are highly suspected or diagnosed with pulmonary embolism should be closely monitored, tracking changes in respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, venous pressure, electrocardiogram, and blood gases to prevent the dislodgement of clots again. Absolute bed rest is required, and care should be taken not to overly bend the lower limbs, maintain bowel regularity, and avoid straining. For patients experiencing anxiety and panic symptoms, reassurance should be provided, along with appropriate use of sedatives. If there is chest pain, analgesics may be administered. For symptoms like fever and cough, corresponding symptomatic treatments should be given. To prevent lung infections and treat phlebitis, antibiotics may be used. Additionally, support treatments for respiratory and circulatory functions, as well as anticoagulation therapy, should be provided.

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Written by Wang Li Bing

Intensive Care Medicine Department

51sec

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Pulmonary embolism should be treated in the department of respiratory medicine.

Pulmonary embolism is an emergency in clinical settings, with rapid progression and extreme danger, and is generally treated by the department of respiratory medicine. Pulmonary embolism primarily occurs due to dislodged blood clots that block the pulmonary artery and its branches, leading to pulmonary infarction. The clinical manifestations of pulmonary embolism mainly include severe breathing difficulties, chest pain, coughing up blood, and even circulatory disturbances. After a pulmonary embolism occurs, a pulmonary artery CT scan can be used to further confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options may include thrombolysis, and possibly anticoagulation therapy with low molecular weight heparin or warfarin. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)