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Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks an artery in the lungs, usually travelling up from a leg vein. It is a medical emergency that needs urgent treatment.
Causes & risk factors
- A clot from a deep vein (often the leg) travelling to the lungs
- Long periods of immobility (long flights, bed rest, surgery)
- Recent surgery, injury or fracture
- Cancer or clotting disorders
- Pregnancy or some hormone medicines
Common symptoms
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain, worse on breathing in
- Fast heartbeat
- Swelling or pain in one leg
- Feeling faint or collapsing
- Coughing up blood
Tests & diagnosis
- D-dimer blood test
- CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA)
- ECG
- Leg vein ultrasound
Treatment & management
- Blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medicines
- Urgent clot-busting treatment in severe cases
- Oxygen and monitoring in hospital
- Treating the underlying cause and reducing future risk
- Compression stockings and movement to prevent leg clots
When to see a doctor urgently
- Sudden breathlessness, chest pain or collapse — call your local emergency number now
- Coughing up blood with breathlessness — emergency
- A swollen, painful leg with breathing symptoms — urgent
- Symptoms after surgery or a long journey — seek help fast
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about pulmonary embolism. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How serious is a pulmonary embolism?
It can be life-threatening and needs emergency treatment. With prompt blood thinners, most people recover well.
How can I lower my risk on long journeys?
Move your legs regularly, walk when possible, stay hydrated and, if you are high risk, ask your doctor about prevention.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.