Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism (pronounced: pul-MON-ary EM-bo-lizm) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot, fat globules, air bubbles or other substances lodge in the blood vessels of the lungs, blocking blood flow.

Etymology

The term "Pulmonary Embolism" is derived from the Latin pulmo (lung) and the Greek embolismos (a throwing in).

Causes

Pulmonary embolism is most often caused by deep vein thrombosis, a condition in which blood clots form in veins deep in the body. The clots can break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism can vary greatly, depending on how much of your lung is involved, the size of the clots, and your overall health. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing.

Diagnosis

Pulmonary embolism can be difficult to diagnose, especially in people who have underlying heart or lung disease. Tests for diagnosing pulmonary embolism include computed tomography (CT) scans, ultrasound, and blood tests.

Treatment

Treatment aims to prevent the clot from getting bigger and to keep new clots from forming. This can be done by administering anticoagulant medications or by performing thrombolysis.

Related Terms

• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Blood Clot
• Anticoagulant
• Thrombolysis

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Pulmonary Embolism
• Wikipedia's article - Pulmonary Embolism

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