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Pulmonary Embolism Treatment Hospital in Broadway

Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary Embolism Treatment in Broadway

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel in the body, usually in the leg. It then proceeds to a lung artery, where it abruptly stops blood flow. A blood clot usually breaks away and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. The clot is commonly a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs in the leg. In rare situations, debris such as air bubbles, fat clumps, or tumour fragments might clog the pulmonary artery and cause PE. An embolus can become lodged in a blood vessel. This can impair the blood flow to a certain organ. Doctors divide PE into three categories: acute, subacute, and chronic. The most prevalent cause of PE is DVT; however, genetic abnormalities and lifestyle factors, such as pregnancy, can also contribute to an individual's risk.

At Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata, we offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for pulmonary embolism, utilising the latest technology and expert care to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients.
 

FAQ's

Symptoms can vary but commonly include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain (which may worsen with breathing or coughing), rapid heart rate, coughing up blood, lightheadedness, or fainting.
 

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is primarily caused by a blood clot that breaks off from the deep veins of the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and travels to the lungs, obstructing a pulmonary artery. Other less common causes include air bubbles, which can enter the bloodstream and travel to the lungs; fat embolism, often resulting from severe fractures, especially of long bones; and tumour fragments, which may obstruct pulmonary arteries in cancer patients.

The risk factors for a pulmonary embolism are: 

  • If you are hospitalised or confined to bed for more than a few days.

  • Sitting on an aircraft, automobile, or train for more than a few hours without walking

  • Getting a hip or knee replacement 

  • Fractures, especially of the leg, or significant trauma

  • Having a venous catheter, which is a tube placed in a vein to provide fluids and drugs or for medical tests 

  • Pregnancy can cause a decrease in blood flow in the legs due to the weight of the foetus pressing on veins in the pelvis

  • Cancer or chemotherapy treatments

  • Obesity, smoking, and taking birth control pills can all cause blood vessel damage and narrowing

  • Receiving Hormone Replacement Therapy

  • Have heart failure or a severe chronic lung illness

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) and thrombophilia increase the risk of blood clots 

  • You are also at a higher risk if you have already experienced a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Of those who have had a DVT or PE, about thirty-three percent will have another one in ten years. 

To diagnose a pulmonary embolism, your doctor conducts a physical examination, enquires about your symptoms, and prescribes one or more tests, such as: 

  • Blood testing to determine whether you have an elevated risk of blood clotting. 

  • Chest X-rays to capture images of your heart and lungs.

  • CT pulmonary angiography creates cross-sectional, 3D images of your lungs and pulmonary arteries by employing X-rays and specialised computers. 

  • Doppler ultrasonography uses sound waves to detect deep vein thrombosis in your legs. 

  • An echocardiogram allows you to see the structures and blood vessels of your heart. 

  • Lab tests, such as pulse oximetry to evaluate oxygen levels in your blood or arterial blood gas testing to determine the balance between oxygen and CO2, 

  • A pulmonary angiography uses a small, hollow tube (catheter) and a contrast dye to see how blood flows through the pulmonary arteries.

  • A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan involves injecting a tracer into your veins to track blood flow and compare it to air flow to detect pulmonary hypertension.

Anticoagulant drugs, such as heparin and warfarin, are frequently used to treat pulmonary embolism and prevent additional clot formation. In severe cases, thrombolytic treatment or surgical procedures may be required to remove or dissolve clots.

  • Anticoagulant Medications: These drugs, such as heparin and warfarin, are the major therapies for pulmonary embolism, as prescribed by a healthcare expert. Anticoagulants reduce the blood's ability to clot, lowering the risk of future embolism. Regular monitoring of blood clotting parameters is required, with drug dosage adjusted accordingly. 

  • Compression stockings: These are frequently indicated as a support measure for pulmonary embolism. These specialised stockings exert light pressure on the legs, increasing blood flow and lowering the likelihood of clot formation, alleviating pulmonary embolism symptoms, and aiding overall management. 

  • Surgical procedures: If alternative therapies are ineffective and the pulmonary embolism is life-threatening, your doctor may consider surgery to remove the blood clot from your pulmonary arteries.

  • Thrombolytic therapy: In severe cases of pulmonary embolism, medicines are administered to dissolve blood clots as rapidly as possible. While successful, it poses a risk of bleeding and is usually reserved for instances with life-threatening consequences, after a comprehensive appraisal of potential benefits and dangers by medical professionals.

The length of recovery varies based on the severity of the PE and the course of treatment. Many people recover completely with the right therapy, but to address any problems and prevent recurrence, further monitoring and care may be required.
 

Indeed, there is a chance that a pulmonary embolism will become fatal, especially if it is large or the patient has underlying medical issues that make conditions worse. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential for risk management and better results.

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