A Complete Guide to Pulmonary Embolism

A Complete Guide to Pulmonary Embolism

1. What is Pulmonary Embolism?
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when blood vessels in the lungs get blocked. Medically, it refers to a clinical and pathophysiological syndrome in which the pulmonary artery or its branches are obstructed by thrombus, fat, gas or other substances, resulting in impaired pulmonary circulation.
2. Causes of Pulmonary Embolism
Common triggers include deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, malignant tumors, heart diseases, trauma and surgical procedures. Among them, lower extremity deep vein thrombosis is the leading cause of pulmonary embolism.
Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis means abnormal blood clotting in the deep veins of the legs, which may cause limb swelling, pain and even limb dysfunction. In some cases, dislodged thrombi can travel to the lungs and trigger pulmonary embolism.
3. Clinical Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
Dyspnea: The most typical symptom. Mild cases present with shortness of breath after activity, while severe patients suffer from severe breathing difficulty even when lying flat.
Chest pain: Sudden severe chest pain varying from stabbing pain to dull pain, which worsens obviously during breathing.
Hemoptysis: Partial patients have hemoptysis, mostly small-volume blood sputum.
Other symptoms: Cough, palpitations and syncope (which may be the initial or sole symptom) may also occur.
4. Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism
Pharmacological Treatment
Anticoagulant therapy: The core treatment for PE. Medications such as heparin, warfarin and new oral anticoagulants prevent thrombus enlargement and facilitate thrombus dissolution.
Thrombolytic therapy: Administer thrombolytic drugs like urokinase and streptokinase to dissolve existing thrombi for critically ill eligible patients.
Surgical Treatment
High-risk patients may undergo surgical thrombectomy to directly remove thrombi in the pulmonary artery, or receive inferior vena cava filter implantation to block dislodged leg vein thrombi and prevent recurrent pulmonary embolism.
5. Prevention of Pulmonary Embolism
Lifestyle Adjustment
Keep regular exercise and avoid prolonged sitting or bed rest. Stand up regularly and do leg flexion and extension exercises during long trips to boost blood circulation.
Control Underlying Diseases
Actively manage hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and other chronic diseases to reduce the risk of hypercoagulable blood state.
Medicinal Prevention
Prophylactic anticoagulant drugs will be prescribed for high-risk groups such as patients before and after major surgery and long-term bedridden patients.
6. Notes on Pulmonary Embolism Rehabilitation
Regular Medication
Take anticoagulant drugs strictly as prescribed; never adjust dosage or stop medication arbitrarily. Recheck blood coagulation function regularly for timely medication adjustment.
Symptom Monitoring
Watch out for bleeding tendencies including skin ecchymosis, gum bleeding, nosebleed, hematuria and melena, and seek medical help immediately once detected. Prompt medical consultation is also required if dyspnea or chest pain recurs.
Diet and Exercise
Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and limit high-fat and high-cholesterol foods. Gradually increase moderate exercise within physical limits and avoid strenuous workouts.