How Can I Recognize If I Have A Pulmonary Embolism?

Do you have shortness of breath that usually gets worse with exertion (you have difficulty catching your breath)?

Do you have chest pain, a sharp, stabbing pain that might become worse when breathing in (often stopping you from being able to take a deep breath)?

Do you have a dry cough or you coughing up blood or blood-streaked sputum?

Do you have swelling or pain in your leg, usually in the calf with tenderness, redness and warmth in the affected area?

Do you have a mildly raised temperature?

Do you have rapid or irregular heartbeat?

Do you sweat excessively?

Do you have clammy or discolored skin (cyanosis)?

Do you feel lightheadedness or dizziness?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a medical condition caused by a blockage in one of the arteries in your lungs (pulmonary arteries) by a blood clot. Usually, the blood clot from deep veins in your legs circulates throughout the blood into your lungs. The blockage of pulmonary arteries leads to a lack of oxygen and increased blood pressure in your lungs. PE is a serious condition and it is possible to have a blood clot without any obvious signs, so discussing your risk factors with your doctor is the right step in maintaining your health.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a pulmonary embolism (PE). Pulmonary embolism is a serious medical condition characterized by a blockage of pulmonary arteries by a blood clot. Usually, the blood clot from deep veins in your legs spreads through the bloodstream into your lungs leading to a lack of oxygen and serious damage to the affected section of the lung. The name of this condition comes from the Greek word émbolos, which means “stopper”. Every year PE affects 1 to 2 per 1,000 people in the United States. PE symptoms may vary, so contact your doctor for the evaluation of your symptoms.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a pulmonary embolism (PE). Pulmonary embolism refers to a blockage in the artery that supplies the blood to your lungs (pulmonary artery). The severity of PE will depend on the size of the blood clots in the arteries and on how much of your lungs are involved. Also, PE is often caused by multiple clots. Pulmonary embolism may be life threatening but timely treatment considerably reduces the risk of death. Treatment includes medications that will prevent existing blood clots from becoming larger and the formation of new ones. Surgery is a treatment option as well.