Pulmonary Embolism: The Silent But All-Too-Common Killer

smahala1991
Pulmonary Embolism: The Silent But All-Too-Common Killer


I know I write a lot of myTakes about food and nonsensical things. But tonight I want to share a myTake about a silent but common killer that is prevalent in our society today. That killer is called Pulmonary Embolism or blood clot to the lung.



A Pulmonary Embolism is a sudden blockage of arteries in the lungs caused usually by a blood clot that travels to the lung. In most cases, the clots are small and are not deadly, but they can damage the lung. But if the clot is large and stops blood flow to the lung, it can be deadly. Quick treatment could save your life or reduce the risk of future problems.



The most common symptoms are:



-- Sudden shortness of breath.
-- Sharp chest pain that is worse when you cough or take a deep breath.
-- A cough that brings up pink, foamy mucus.



Pulmonary embolism can also cause more general symptoms. For example, you may feel anxious or on edge, sweat a lot, feel lightheaded or faint, or have a fast heart rate or palpitations.



If you have symptoms like these, you need to see a doctor right away, especially if they are sudden and severe.


Pulmonary Embolism: The Silent But All-Too-Common Killer



In most cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by a blood clot in the leg that breaks loose and travels to the lungs. A blood clot in a vein close to the skin is not likely to cause problems. But having blood clots in deep veins (deep vein thrombosis) can lead to pulmonary embolism. More than 300,000 people each year have deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism.



Other things can block an artery, such as tumors, air bubbles, amniotic fluid, or fat that is released into the blood vessels when a bone is broken. But these are rare.



Anything that makes you more likely to form blood clots increases your risk of pulmonary embolism. Some people are born with blood that clots too quickly. Other things that can increase your risk include:



-- Being inactive for long periods. This can happen when you have to stay in bed after surgery or a serious illness, or when you sit for a long time on a flight or car trip.



-- Recent surgery that involved the legs, hips, belly, or brain.



-- Some diseases, such as cancer, heart failure, stroke, or a severe infection.



-- Pregnancy and childbirth (especially if you had a cesarean section).



-- Taking birth control pills or hormone therapy.



-- Smoking.



-- You are also at higher risk for blood clots if you are an older adult (especially older than 70) or extremely overweight (obese).


Pulmonary Embolism: The Silent But All-Too-Common Killer


It may be hard to diagnose pulmonary embolism, because the symptoms are like those of many other problems, such as a heart attack, a panic attack, or pneumonia. A doctor will start by doing a physical exam and asking questions about your past health and your symptoms. This helps the doctor decide if you are at high risk for pulmonary embolism.



Based on your risk, you might have tests to look for blood clots or rule out other causes of your symptoms. Common tests include blood tests, CT scan, electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG), ultrasound, and MRI.



If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above you should always call 911 if in the USA or in other countries it could be 999 or 0 or any other emergency number. The reason I am sharing this mytake is because there have been a few people I know who have died from pulmonary embolisms and who have had them. Unfortunately as some of you are aware possibly a fellow GAGer passed away over the weekend from a blood clot to the lung. So I wrote this mytake in awareness to a silent but deadly problem that is common but most of us are never aware of.



#RIPKris85


#AGAGpublicserviceannouncement


#PEAwareness



This has been a public service announcement from your friend @smahala1991. And a public service announcement to the GAG community.

Pulmonary Embolism: The Silent But All-Too-Common Killer
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