Pulmonary embolism is a serious medical condition. However, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can greatly improve the chances of recovery. However, lung embolism survivors face ongoing challenges that require them to follow effective strategies to coexist and adapt to their new lives, so follow us. 

How does pulmonary embolism occur?

Lung embolism occurs  as a result of the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs. This clot then moves through the bloodstream to the lungs. Once the clot reaches the lungs, it may lodge in one of the pulmonary arteries and block blood flow to part of the lung.

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism 

There is a large difference between the symptoms of a lung clot due to the difference in the size and location of the clot, as well as the general health condition of the patient. Some people with small clots may not show any symptoms, while others suffer from life-threatening symptoms.

The most common symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:

• Sudden shortness of breath, which is a common symptom in most cases and may occur even during rest and increases with physical activity.
• Chest pain, which varies between sharp or dull pain, and is often worse when breathing deeply, coughing, or bending over, and the patient may feel as if he is having a heart attack.
• Cough, which may be dry or accompanied by bloody phlegm.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, as a result of a sudden drop in blood pressure.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Rapid breathing.
• Excessive sweating.
• Pain or swelling in the leg, as a result of a blood clot in the leg, and may be accompanied by redness or heat in the affected area.
• Blueness of the lips or skin, which is a serious sign that indicates low levels of oxygen in the blood. 

It is worth noting that a lung stroke is a medical emergency, and you must seek immediate medical assistance if sudden or severe symptoms appear. 

Causes of lung stroke

The main cause of lung thrombosis is the movement of a blood clot from the deep veins in the legs to the lungs and then blockage of one of the pulmonary arteries. There are many factors that can increase the risk of these clots forming and spreading, including the following:

• Long periods of immobility, as a result of prolonged bed rest due to illness or surgery.
• Frequent travel for long periods of more than 4 hours, especially if the legs are not moved regularly.
• Undergoing major surgery, especially hip, knee or abdominal surgery.
• Undergoing central venous catheterization.
• Serious injuries, such as fractures to the legs or pelvis.
• Some types of cancer, such as lung cancer.
• Heart disease, such as congestive heart failure.
• Stroke and paralysis.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune diseases.
• Morbid obesity.
• Having a previous history of blood clots.
• Severe varicose veins.
• Pregnancy and childbirth.
• Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.
• التدخين. 
• Getting older.
• Genetics and family history of blood clots.

How is pulmonary embolism diagnosed?

The diagnosis of lung embolism at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital depends on a group of factors, in terms of evaluating symptoms, physical examination, medical history of the patient, and performing several diagnostic tests. 

Because the symptoms of lung embolism are similar to other medical conditions, accurate and rapid diagnosis is crucial. The main methods for diagnosing lung embolism include the following steps:

• Clinical evaluation and physical examination, where the doctor asks about the symptoms that the patient is experiencing, inquires about the patient’s medical history, and then the doctor examines the vital signs and legs and listens to the sound of the lungs and heart. 
• Blood tests: The doctor may request an arterial blood gas analysis to measure the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acidity in the blood. The analysis may show a low level of oxygen in cases of pulmonary embolism, as well as a D-dimer test, to measure the level of this substance in the blood, which is formed when blood clots dissolve, and other tests to evaluate kidney and liver function and rule out other causes of symptoms.
• Computed tomography of the pulmonary vasculature is the most commonly used scan to diagnose pulmonary embolism, as it can show blood clots directly in the pulmonary arteries.
• Lung ventilation/perfusion scan. This test compares airflow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) in the lungs. If there is an area of ​​the lung that is getting air but not blood, this may indicate a pulmonary embolism.
• Chest X-ray, to rule out other causes of chest disease and shortness of breath, such as pneumonia or pneumothorax.
• Doppler ultrasound of the legs, in case there is suspicion of deep vein thrombosis in the legs as a possible cause of pulmonary embolism. 

Tips for living with a lung stroke

Living with a lung stroke is a physical and emotional challenge. It is necessary to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and make lifestyle changes to help with recovery and prevent any further clots. Here are some tips for living with a lung stroke:

• Visit the doctor regularly and adhere to all follow-up appointments and periodic examinations. 
• Adhere to drug treatment and carefully follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and timing, and be aware of drug interactions and nutritional supplements you take.
• Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking the medication for the period recommended by the doctor. 
• When you feel short of breath, you should take breaks immediately.
• Learn deep and diaphragmatic breathing techniques that can help improve breathing efficiency.
• Avoid excessive effort, divide your daily tasks into smaller parts and take breaks between them. 
• Get enough sleep.
• Exercise regularly with the approval of your doctor to improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of clots. 
• Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity increases the risk of clot formation
• Quit smoking.
• Drink enough water to maintain blood fluidity.
• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods without moving. 
• Wear compression stockings  after your doctor's approval to improve blood circulation in the legs and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. 
• Be aware of the signs and symptoms of recurrent pulmonary embolism and take precautions while traveling.

How can lung stroke be prevented?

Methods for preventing lung clots focus mainly on preventing the formation of blood clots, especially in the deep veins of the legs, and reducing the risk of these clots moving to the lungs. Measures that can be taken to prevent lung clots include the following:

• Take all preventive measures during long periods of inactivity. During long travel, you can move slightly every hour or two or do simple leg exercises.
• Drink enough water to help prevent blood clots.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing that restricts blood flow.
• Treating medical conditions that increase the risk of clots, such as heart disease, cancer, or blood clotting disorders.
• Quit smoking. 
• Maintain a healthy weight. 
• Exercising regularly.
• Take the necessary preventive measures before and after surgery, especially adhering to taking preventive anticoagulants.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber and low in saturated fat.
• Managing stress and stress. 

Complications of pulmonary embolism

Lung thrombosis is a serious condition that if not treated promptly and effectively can lead to life-threatening complications. The severity of the complications depends on the size, location and number of the clot, in addition to the person’s general health condition. The most prominent complications include the following:

• Chronic pulmonary hypertension is the result of blood clots not completely dissolving and then turning into scar tissue that permanently blocks the pulmonary arteries. Its symptoms include persistent or worsening shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, and swelling of the legs.
• Right heart failure, as a result of the right ventricle having to work harder to pump blood through blocked arteries, and its symptoms include severe shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, swelling of the legs and ankles, abdominal bloating, and sudden weight gain.
• Pulmonary infarction is the result of part of the lung tissue being deprived of complete oxygenated blood flow due to obstruction and leads to permanent damage to the lung tissue. Its symptoms include severe chest pain that gets worse when breathing or coughing, cough accompanied by bloody sputum, and fever.
• Blood circulation is unstable and vital organs do not receive enough oxygen, leading to shock, which is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Its symptoms include severe low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, cold and clammy skin, confusion, and decreased consciousness.
• عدم انتظام ضربات القلب.
• Sudden death, in severe cases where the pulmonary clot is large and greatly obstructs blood flow.
• Complications related to treatment, such as increased risk of bleeding due to the use of anticoagulants.

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What is the treatment for lung embolism?

Lung clot treatment at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital aims to  relieve symptoms, prevent aggravation of the existing clot, dissolve it, prevent long-term complications, and prevent the formation of new clots.

The specific treatment for a pulmonary embolism depends on several factors, including the size of the clot, its location, its effect on heart and lung function, the patient’s general health condition, as well as the presence of any other medical conditions. The main treatment options include the following:

• العلاج الدوائي 

• Mainly anticoagulants such as heparin, warfarin, and rivaroxaban. The duration of treatment depends on the cause of the pulmonary embolism and the patient’s risk factors, as it may last for several months or for life in some cases.

• Clot-dissolving drugs or fibrinolytics, to quickly dissolve blood clots, are usually given intravenously and are used in severe cases of pulmonary embolism accompanied by circulatory instability.

• Surgical treatment 

• Catheter thrombectomy, which is one of the minimally invasive procedures performed in some severe cases in which drug treatment alone is not successful, involves inserting a catheter through the blood vessels into the blocked pulmonary artery and then injecting clot-dissolving medications directly into the clot or using mechanical devices to remove the clot.
• Surgical thrombectomy: In very rare cases, when a lung clot is so large and causing severe circulatory instability that other treatments cannot be used, surgery to directly remove the clot may be necessary.

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• Supportive treatment

• Oxygen, if the blood oxygen level is low.
• مسكنات الألم، لتخفيف ألم الصدر.
• Intravenous fluids, to maintain blood pressure and organ function.
• Medications to support blood pressure, in cases of severe low blood pressure.

Book your consultation now at Respiratory disease clinic At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital 

How long does it take to recover from a pulmonary embolism?

The recovery time from a lung embolism varies widely from patient to patient and depends on several factors, including:

• The size and location of the clot, as small clots may dissolve faster than larger clots.
• The patient's general health. People who were healthy before the injury may recover faster.
• Speed ​​of diagnosis and treatment. Of course, early treatment improves the chances of full recovery and reduces the risk of complications.
• The presence of complications. If complications such as chronic pulmonary hypertension occur, recovery may take longer and may not be complete.
• Commitment to treatment, following the doctor’s instructions and taking medications regularly.

In general, the recovery period can be divided into several stages as follows:

• The acute phase, the first days and weeks of the stroke. Treatment during this period focuses on stabilizing the condition and preventing the clot from getting worse. The patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or more.
• Early recovery stage, from weeks to several months. During this stage, the body continues to dissolve the clot, and blood flow to the lungs gradually improves. The feeling of shortness of breath and fatigue may continue, but it gradually improves. It is recommended to return to daily activities gradually.
• The late recovery stage, from several months to years, as the lung clot completely dissolves within several months. However, it may take longer for the patient to return to his normal level of activity before the injury, and some may continue to feel some mild symptoms such as shortness of breath upon exertion.

Frequently asked questions

Will the lungs return to what they were after the stroke?

The return of the lung to normal after a stroke depends on several factors, as follows:

• The location and size of the clot, as small clots do not cause significant damage to the lung tissue, while large clots that block the main arteries cause more damage.
• Speedy diagnosis and treatment, as early treatment helps reduce the period of lack of oxygen in the lung and improves the chances of full recovery.
• The patient's general health.
• If complications such as pulmonary infarction or chronic pulmonary hypertension occur, the lungs may not return completely to normal.
• The extent of adherence to treatment and participation in rehabilitation programs.

Does the lung clot dissolve?

Yes, the lung clot usually dissolves, and this is the primary goal of treating it, as the body has natural mechanisms for breaking up blood clots, and treatment with anticoagulants helps this process and discourages the formation of new clots.

Does lung failure cause death?

Yes, lung failure, or so-called respiratory failure, is a life-threatening condition that can cause death, as the lungs are the two main organs responsible for the gas exchange necessary for life. 

In conclusion, the journey of living with a pulmonary embolism requires adherence to the instructions of the medical team and making positive lifestyle changes. If you are looking for specialized medical care to deal with a pulmonary embolism, Al Mousa Specialist Hospital is considered one of the distinguished medical facilities that provides integrated and specialized services in heart and lung diseases. 

The hospital includes an integrated medical team of specialized doctors with high experience in diagnosing, treating and managing cases of pulmonary embolism, in addition to the latest diagnostic and therapeutic technologies available.

You can contact us on our numbers listed on the website for reservations and inquiries. 

Sources 

Practice Essentials – medscape

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) – msdmanuals