Pulmonary Embolism Infarction - Symptoms & Treatment

A pulmonary embolism is the sudden impeding of one of the arteries of the lung by matter in the blood, such as a blood clot, fat, fragments of a cancerous tumor or an air bubble. The functions of the arteries of the lungs are to carry adequate blood containing oxygen and nutrients to keep the lung tissue healthy and to carry carbon dioxide to the lungs for riddance from the body. Nevertheless, when a large artery to the lung is blocked by an embolus, the amount of blood supplied may be insufficient, eventually causing lung tissue to die. Smaller clots prevent sufficient blood flow to the lungs, sometimes causing damage to lung tissue (infarction). Large clots which fully block blood flow can be fatal. Pulmonary embolism can occur as a major complexity of surgery, or in patients who are confined to bed, have cancer, severe varicose veins, phlebitis (inflammation of the wall of a vein), have suffered a recent heart attack or stroke, or have a chronic illness, such as congestive heart failure. Other factors which can mximize the risk of blood clots include childbirth, obesity, a broken hip or leg, use of oral contraceptives, sickle cell anemia, blood clotting disorders, chest trauma, certain congenital heart defects, sitting for long periods of time, and old age.

Causes of Pulmonary Embolism Infarction

Common causes and risk factor's of Pulmonary Embolism Infarction include the following :

• Stroke.
• Leg injury .
• Bone fractures.
• Heart attack.
• Childbirth.
• Oral contraceptive use.
• Injury.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism Infarction

Some common Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism Infarction :

• Shortness of breath.
• Wheezing.
• Breathing difficulty.
• Chest pain.
• Sweating.

Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism Infarction

• Bed rest .
• Anticoagulants.
• Heparin.