Pulmonary embolism is a health problem resulting from a blocked blood vessel in the lungs.
This situation, which is called “pulmonary embolism” in the medical literature, can cause life-threatening consequences if a quick solution is not found.
This blockage in the pulmonary artery can damage the lungs and other organs that cannot receive enough oxygen. It is a serious situation. The healing process can take weeks up to months.
People of all ages are at risk of embolism. An embolism is a blood clot that is formed in an organ and can be carried to the rest of the body through the bloodstream.
The most common cause of pulmonary embolism is inheritance. However, the reason is unclear most of the time.
The leading causes of pulmonary embolism are;
- Pregnancy
- Use of birth control pills
- Hormone therapy
- Infections
- Joint inflammations
- Heart and respiratory failures
It can also be caused following a surgical procedure. Clinical findings include shortness of breath, cough, rapid breathing, bloody sputum, and severe chest pain.
Pulmonary embolism is quite common. It is a condition that is difficult to diagnose and has a very high mortality rate. Even in developed countries, it ranks third among the causes of death. Although it is life-threatening, proper treatment management can significantly lower mortality.
Pulmonary embolism occurs when blood clots originating from the legs or other body parts break off and block the lungs.
According to the patient's complaint, the size of the blood clot and the diameter of the occluded pulmonary vessel are determined.
Since the origin of embolism is usually in the legs, the clinical presentation includes swelling and leg pain. Many factors predispose to embolism, such as hereditary coagulative disorders, cancer, birth control pills, pregnancy and postpartum period, some blood diseases, and especially kidney diseases that cause excessive protein loss.
How is Pulmonary Embolism Treated?
Early diagnosis is very important. Embolism treatment aims to dissolve the clot or to treat the clot.
Today, recently developed drugs on the market have started to give more positive results in inhibiting clot formation and dissolving the clot.
How Long Does Pulmonary Embolism Treatment Take?
If the embolism starts to dissolve, that is, if there is any improvement in the symptoms, this is highly suggestive that the treatment will be easier.
Along with medical consultation, heparin therapy for three days and orally taken antithrombotic agents for seven days are administered.
As a result of precise treatment, the patient’s symptoms improve and can be discharged after several days.
Pharmaceutic Therapy and Options
Thrombolytic therapy
Thrombolytic therapy means clot-dissolving therapy. It can cause serious adverse effects such as fainting and hypotension.
The effects can be seen for up to seven days. Within the next fourteen days, anticoagulant treatment is administered. It is not recommended for more than fourteen days.
Anticoagulant therapy
Anticoagulant treatment is used for preventing clot formation. The treatment is applied in full dose for a total of five days. Later, the treatment must be modified according to constant prevention.
In this stage, communication between the doctor and the patient is crucial and this period requires frequent control. This follow-up should be continued for at least every three months if risk factors are present, and for at least every six months if there is no risk factor. It is decided whether to continue the treatment or not depending on the patient's progress.
