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Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary Embolism Definition: Pulmonary embolism, a very common and highly lethal condition that involves a sudden blockage in a lung artery, is a disease that exhibits vague and nonspecific symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment way more difficult. The prime cause of the disease is clotted blood (embolus) that travels to the lung from another part of the body. Pulmonary embolism can subject an individual to major risks since it damages permanently the lungs, lower oxygen level in blood, damage other organs and also may result in death.
Pulmonary Embolism Explanation Pulmonary embolism is a complication brought about by deep vein thrombosis or DVT; the condition is brought about by the formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the body, especially in the legs. These clots eventually break free, travel to the lung, and block the pulmonary artery.
Pulmonary Embolism Causes: The causes of a Pulmonary Embolism can be one or many including certain psychoactive drugs, chemicals and virus like appetite suppressants, cocaine and HIV are found to trigger the constriction, or narrowing of the pulmonary artery. Other heart and lung disorders and congenital heart diseases also have equal contribution to this disease..
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Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms:
I. Sudden chest pain II. Difficulty breathing III. Cough with blood IV. Lightheadedness and fainting V. Excessive sweating VI. Bluish tint to skin VII. Anxiety
Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis: Diagnosis of Pulmonary embolism is difficult because of the symptoms that resemble those of other diseases. However, Chest x-ray, Electrocardiogram, Arterial blood gas measurements, Spiral computed tomography, Lung scan and Pulmonary arteriogram proves helpful in detecting the disease.
Pulmonary Embolism Treatment: Injecting anticoagulants like heparin, followed by the oral Warfarin stabilizes the clot and prevents further clot formation, whereas Oxygen and sedatives make the patient more comfortable. But these are immediate treatments; in case of large clots, thrombolytic or clot busting drugs prove effective..
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