4 warning signs of pulmonary embolism
Dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, leg pain or coughing up blood are common symptoms of pulmonary embolism.
According toReader's DigestPulmonary embolism is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the lungs. Blood clots usually develop in one part of the body, usually the legs, and then travel through the bloodstream to the lungs.
Many people have pulmonary embolism without even knowing it. In severe cases, the first signs of the disease can also be life-threatening.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people who are at risk for developing a blood clot that turns into a pulmonary embolism include those who are obese, have cancer, heart disease, lung disease, or a broken hip or leg.
Warning signs of pulmonary embolism:
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| Pain or redness in the leg is one of four warning signs of pulmonary embolism. |
Pain or redness in the leg
Some patients experience the unusual presence of a blood clot in their leg. This causes pain, swelling, and redness. This condition is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). From there, the clot can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.
Dizziness, shortness of breath
In some patients, the first sign of pulmonary embolism occurs after the clot has entered the lungs. The most common symptom is shortness of breath. The condition often progresses rapidly to critical condition. Patients may feel fine one evening but have difficulty breathing the next morning.
Additionally, patients may experience dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness. In a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, 17 percent of patients who fainted had blood clots in their lungs.
Chest pain
If you take a deep breath and it hurts, it could be a sign of a pulmonary embolism. When part of your lung function is damaged, less oxygen reaches your heart, causing a sharp, uncomfortable pain.
Coughing up blood
One of the most frightening symptoms is coughing up mucus mixed with blood. This symptom is less common than shortness of breath and chest pain. It can also be a sign of lung disease, including lung cancer. If you have this symptom, see your doctor immediately.
