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Pulmonary Embolism Treatment Hospital in Dhakuria

Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary Embolism Treatment in Dhakuria

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition where a blood clot obstructs one of the veins in your lung, impacting oxygen and blood flow. This typically happens when a clot travels from another part of your body, such as your arm or leg, through your veins and becomes lodged in your lungs. A PE increases blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, decreases oxygen levels, and restricts blood flow in the lungs.

Recovering from a pulmonary embolism can be challenging, and life may not return to normal immediately. It's normal to feel anxious or fearful about the possibility of a recurrence. Seeking support from a support group or counsellor can help manage these fears. It’s important to continue following your healthcare provider's advice, including taking prescribed medications, to address your concerns and aid in your recovery.

FAQ's

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is usually caused by a blood clot that breaks off from another part of the body and travels to the lungs. This often starts as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where a clot forms in the veins of the legs or arms.

In rare cases, PE can also be caused by other materials such as fat globules, air bubbles, or tumour fragments that block the pulmonary arteries. Once an embolus (the blocking material) enters the circulation, it travels through the bloodstream and can become lodged in the small blood vessels of the lungs.

This blockage prevents blood from flowing to parts of the lung, leading to a reduction in oxygen and potential damage to the lung tissue. Additionally, a large clot can increase pressure on the right side of the heart, which might eventually lead to heart failure.

Typical signs and symptoms include:

  • Breathlessness
  • Rapid breathing
  • Discomfort during deep breathing
  • Low blood pressure
  • Elevated heart rate

Less frequent symptoms consist of:

  • Coughing up blood
  • Feeling anxious or afraid
  • Fainting or experiencing lightheadedness
  • Sweating

The following are risk factors for pulmonary embolism:

  • Genetic disorders that raise the possibility of blood clot formation

  • Ancestral history of thrombotic diseases

  • Orthopaedic surgery, trauma (particularly to the legs), or surgery

  • Circumstances when movement is restricted, such as prolonged bed rest, lengthy flights or rides, or paralysis

  • Advanced age

  • History of cancer and cancer therapy

  • A few illnesses, including inflammatory bowel disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and stroke

  • Certain medications, such as oestrogen replacement therapy and birth control pills, particularly during pregnancy or after a C-section.

  • Being overweight

  • Varicose veins, also known as swollen veins in the legs

  • Smoking cigarettes

Testing to search for a PE may involve the following in addition to a thorough medical history and physical examination:

  • Chest X-ray: This imaging examination evaluates the heart and lungs. A chest X-ray can reveal the size, shape, contour, and anatomical position of the heart, lungs, bronchi (breathing tubes), aorta, pulmonary arteries, and the mediastinum, which is the central area in the chest that separates the lungs.

  • Ventilation-perfusion Scan: Ventilation, or the flow of air into and out of the bronchi and bronchioles, is assessed using a ventilation scan. A perfusion scan assesses how well blood flows through the lungs.

  • CT Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA): A routine test in which dyes are injected into your veins and lungs and thoroughly examined using X-rays to look for clots.

  • D-Dimer Examination: A substance released when a blood clot dissolves is detected by this blood test. Elevated levels could indicate the presence of a blood clot, but additional investigation is required to confirm.

  • Ultrasound: This is used to check for blood clots in your legs, which can travel to the lungs and cause a PE.

  • Electrocardiogram, or ECG: An ECG checks your heart's electrical activity to rule out a heart attack, as PE symptoms can be similar.

  • Pulmonary Angiogram: This test is used to check the narrowing, blockage, and bulging of blood vessels.

Options for pulmonary embolism (PE) treatment consist of:

  • Anticoagulants: These medications, which are also known as blood thinners, prevent blood clots. This inhibits the growth of an existing clot and prevents the formation of new ones. Heparin and warfarin are two examples.

  • Fibrinolytic Treatment: These medications, often known as "clot busters," are injected intravenously (IV) or into a vein in order to dissolve the clot. These medications are only administered in cases where life is in danger.

  • Vena Cava Filter: To prevent clots from reaching the lungs, a tiny metal device can be inserted into the vena cava, a big blood channel that returns blood from the body to the heart. These filters are typically used in cases where receiving anticoagulation therapy is not possible due to medical reasons, where anticoagulant medication is causing bleeding issues, or where clots continue to form despite treatment.

  • Pulmonary Embolectomy: This procedure to remove a PE is rarely used. It is usually reserved for the most serious situations, such as extremely large PE, inability to get anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy because of other medical issues, poor response to conventional therapies, or unstable status.

  • Percutaneous Thrombectomy: With the aid of an X-ray, a long, thin, hollow tube known as a catheter can be inserted across the blood vessel to the embolism location. After the catheter is inserted, thrombolytic medication is used to dissolve, break up, or remove the embolism.

The avoidance of DVTs is essential in the prevention of pulmonary embolism (PE), as PE is frequently brought on by a blood clot that originates in the legs, and because it is frequently challenging to identify a DVT before issues arise. A way to prevent PE is to lead a healthy lifestyle. It consists of measures like:

  • Exercise on a regular basis
  • Keeping a healthy weight
  • Maintaining a well-balanced diet
  • Taking prescription drugs as directed
  • Quitting smoking

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