Will acute pulmonary embolism get better in two days?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on December 17, 2024
00:00
00:00

Acute pulmonary embolism is a type of disease with very many and complex inducing factors.

Clinically, acute pulmonary embolism has a very sudden onset, and patients often present with unexplained symptoms such as pale complexion, chest tightness, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. During the acute phase of pulmonary embolism, immediate and effective anti-shock and other symptomatic resuscitation are essential upon arrival at the hospital. Generally, after timely and effective resuscitation, the patient's condition may be somewhat controlled. Usually, the first 1-3 days after the onset of pulmonary embolism are the most dangerous; therefore, continuous monitoring of the patient's vital signs is crucial during this time, followed by anti-shock and anticoagulation treatment as needed.

Therefore, acute pulmonary embolism will not improve by the second day, although some of the patient's clinical symptoms may slightly improve after treatment.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Jing Jing
Pulmonology
46sec home-news-image

Is there a relationship between pulmonary embolism and lung cancer?

Pulmonary embolism and lung cancer can be related; common causes of pulmonary embolism include amniotic fluid embolism, air embolism, and deep vein thrombosis. In patients with lung cancer, when cancerous emboli enter the bloodstream, they can cause pulmonary embolism. Additionally, if the patient's condition is poor, with difficulties in eating, prolonged bed rest, and increased blood viscosity, deep vein thrombosis can occur, leading to pulmonary embolism. Therefore, there is no absolute relationship between pulmonary embolism and lung cancer, but lung cancer may trigger pulmonary embolism.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Li Bing
Intensive Care Medicine Department
46sec home-news-image

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

Pulmonary embolism is a pathological process in which a blood clot in the vessels detaches, affecting the pulmonary artery and its branches. After the occurrence of a pulmonary embolism, patients generally visit the respiratory medicine department. Clinically, a pulmonary artery CTA can be performed to further confirm the diagnosis. The treatment methods in clinical practice are mainly as follows: If the patient experiences circulatory disturbances, emergency thrombolytic therapy may be considered; if the patient's circulation is stable, treatment with low molecular weight heparin and warfarin anticoagulation can be considered. Of course, it is important to monitor the patient's respiration and blood pressure.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
58sec home-news-image

Is it good to place a filter for pulmonary embolism or not?

Whether it is good or not to place a filter for pulmonary embolism mainly depends on the cause of the pulmonary embolism and whether there are indications for placing a filter. Generally speaking, if pulmonary embolism is caused by the formation of blood clots in the lower limbs or the inferior vena cava, placing a filter can generally be beneficial. However, not all cases of lower limb venous thrombosis require a filter. Filters are usually only used for deep or large vein thromboses that are not suitable for thrombectomy or thrombolysis treatments. If a filter is placed under other conditions, it is very likely that thrombosis will re-form on the surface of the filter, potentially leading to some recurrent pulmonary embolisms or iatrogenic pulmonary embolisms. Therefore, the decision to place a filter is complex and requires a doctor to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to proceed.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wei Shi Liang
Intensive Care Unit
48sec home-news-image

Pulmonary embolism is caused by what?

The most common cause of pulmonary embolism is a thrombus, with approximately 70%-95% of cases occurring when a deep vein thrombosis dislodges and enters the pulmonary arteries and their branches via the bloodstream, leading to pulmonary embolism. Conditions such as prolonged bed rest or immobilization of the lower limbs can lead to the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis. Therefore, the primary site of origin is mainly the deep veins of the lower limbs. Additionally, other types of emboli can also cause pulmonary embolism, such as fat emboli, air emboli, amniotic fluid emboli, parasitic emboli, and bacterial emboli, as well as detachment of cardiac tumors; all these can lead to pulmonary embolism.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wei Shi Liang
Intensive Care Unit
1min 35sec home-news-image

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.