lung embolism

lung embolism

 Pulmonary embolism
Symptoms and causes
Diagnosis and treatment
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General description

Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the arteries of the lungs. In most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots that move to the lungs from the legs or, rarely, from other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis)

Because clots block the flow of blood to the lungs, pulmonary embolism can be fatal. However, immediate treatment significantly reduces this risk. Taking measures to prevent the formation of blood clots in the legs will help you avoid a pulmonary embolism.

symptom

The symptoms of pulmonary embolism vary a lot, depending on how much of the lung is involved, the size of the clots and whether you have a lung or heart disease in the background.

The following are common signs and symptoms:

Difficulty breathing. Normally, this symptom occurs suddenly and always gets worse with the effort.
Chest pain. You may feel like you are having a heart attack. The pain can get worse when you breathe deeply (pleuritis), cough, eat, crouch or bend. The pain will increase with the effort but will not disappear when you rest.
Cough. Cough can produce bloody sputum or veins of blood.
Among other possible signs and symptoms with a pulmonary embolism we can mention:

Pain or swelling in the legs, or both, usually in the calf.
Skin that is pale or has changed color (cyanosis)
Fever
Excessive perspiration
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or lightheadedness
When to consult with the doctor

Pulmonary embolism can be deadly. Seek immediate medical attention if you have shortness of breath without apparent cause, chest pain or cough that produces a bloody sputum.

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CausesA pulmonary embolism occurs when a mass formed by matter - most often a blood clot - gets stuck in an artery in the lungs. In general, these blood clots come from the deep veins of the legs. This condition is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Most of the time, there are several clots involved, but not necessarily all at the same time. The portions of the lung irrigated by each blocked artery run out of blood and die. This is called "pulmonary infarction." Pulmonary infarction makes it harder for the lungs to supply oxygen to the rest of the body.

Occasionally, blockages in the blood vessels are caused by other substances that are not clots, for example, the following:

Fat that comes from the marrow of a broken long bone
Collagen or other type of tissue
Part of a tumor
Air bubbles
Risk factor's

Blood clot in a leg vein
Blood clot in a leg vein
Although anyone can develop blood clots and a subsequent pulmonary embolism, some factors can increase the risk.

Clinic history

If you had blood clots or pulmonary embolism in the past, or if a family member had these conditions, you are at higher risk. This may be due to inherited disorders that affect the blood and make it more likely to form clots.

In addition, some diseases and treatments put you at risk, such as:

Heart disease. Heart disease, specifically heart disease, increases the chance of blood clots forming.
Cancer. Some cancers - specifically those of the pancreas, ovaries and lung, and many cancers with metastases - can increase the levels of substances that contribute to clot formation, and chemotherapy further increases the risk. A woman with a family history of breast cancer who takes tamoxifen or raloxifene is also at a higher risk of having blood clots.
Surgery. Surgery is one of the main causes of blood clots. For this reason, medications should be given to prevent blood clots before and after major surgery, such as joint replacement surgery.
Prolonged immobilization

Blood clots are more likely to form during periods of inactivity, such as:

Rest in bed. Having been confined to a bed for an extended period after surgery, a heart attack, a fracture, an injury, or some other serious illness makes you more vulnerable to blood clots. When the lower extremities are horizontal for long periods, blood flow decreases and blood can accumulate in the legs.
Long trips. Staying in an uncomfortable position during a long plane or car trip decreases blood flow in the legs, which contributes to the formation of clots.
Other risk factors

Smoking For reasons that are not fully understood, the use of tobacco predisposes some people to form blood clots, especially in combination with other risk factors.
Being overweight. Being overweight increases the risk of blood clots - particularly in women who smoke or have high blood pressure.
Supplementary estrogen The estrogen in birth control pills and hormone replacement treatments can increase your blood's clotting factors, especially if you smoke or are overweight.
Pregnancy. The weight of the baby that presses on your veins of the pelvis can decrease the blood flow that comes from the legs. Clots are more likely to form when blood flow decreases or accumulates.
ComplicationsPulmonary embolism can be deadly. About one third of people with undiagnosed and untreated pulmonary embolism do not survive. When the condition is diagnosed and treated promptly, however, that amount decreases drastically.

Pulmonary embolism can also lead to pulmonary hypertension, a condition in which the blood pressure in the lungs and on the right side of the heart is too high. When you have blockages in the arteries of the heart, the heart must work harder to pump blood through those vessels. Thus, the blood pressure inside those vessels and the right side of the heart increases, which weakens the heart.

Rarely, small embolisms occur frequently that develop over time to become chronic pulmonary hypertension, a condition that is also known as thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Prevention

Preventing the formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis) will help prevent a pulmonary embolism. For this reason, most hospitals assume a strict position regarding taking measures to prevent blood clots. These are some measures:

Anticoagulants These medications are often given to people who are at risk of forming clots before and after an operation, and also to people who are admitted to the hospital with a heart attack, stroke, or complications from cancer.
Compression socks. The compression stockings apply even and constant pressure on the legs, which helps the veins and leg muscles move the blood more efficiently. They offer a safe, simple and inexpensive way to prevent blood from pooling during and after general surgery.
Legs up. Placing the legs high when possible and during the night can also be very effective .. Raises the feet of the bed between 4 and 6 inches (between 10 and 15 cm) with blocks or books.
Physical activity. Moving as soon as possible after surgery helps prevent pulmonary embolism and speeds recovery in general. This is one of the main reasons why the nurse may encourage you to get up, even on the day of surgery, and walk despite the pain you feel at the site of the surgical incision.
Pneumatic compression This treatment consists of sleeves that are placed in the upper part of the thigh or in the upper part of the calf and are automatically inflated with air and deflated at short intervals, so that they massage and exert pressure on the veins of the legs, in addition to improving blood flow.
Prevention when traveling

The risk of blood clots forming during travel is low, but increases the more you travel. If you have risk factors that favor the formation of blood clots and you have any concerns related to traveling, talk to the doctor.

To prevent the formation of blood clots during the trip, the doctor may suggest:

Drink much liquid. Water is the best liquid to avoid dehydration, which can contribute to the development of blood clots. Avoid alcohol, which contributes to the loss of fluid.
Rest from sitting. Move around the cabin of the plane once every hour. If you are driving, stop every hour and walk around the car a couple of times. Do some deep push-ups with the knees.
Move in the seat. Flex your ankles every 15 to 30 minutes.
Wear compression stockings The doctor may recommend that you use this type of socks to promote circulationand the movement of liquids in your legs. Compression stockings can be obtained in a variety of colors and textures.There are even some devices specially designed to help you put on your socks.