Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
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| Definition |
Pulmonary embolism is the blockage
of a lung (pulmonary) artery or one of its branches by one
(pulmonary embolism) or more (pulmonary emboli) blood clot(s).
Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart
rate, and a cough producing blood-tinged sputum.
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| Causes |
Certain conditions place patients
at risk to form blood clots such as bed rest, a history of previous
blood clot formation, advancing age, stroke, paralysis of the lower
extremities, fractures or broken bones in the legs, hip fractures,
the use of birth control pills, heart failure, conditions that cause
the blood to become "thick" or at a higher risk to clot and many
types of surgeries especially orthopedic (surgery on the bones)
surgeries. The most common place in the body to form blood clots are
in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis. These blood clots may break
off and travel through the blood stream to the lungs.
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| Treatment |
Smaller clots are treated with
oxygen and blood thinners. Larger clots or multiple clots are more
dangerous and can be deadly. Seriously ill patients may require a
breathing (endotracheal) tube and a breathing machine (mechanical
ventilator) in addition to blood thinners. Sometimes a filter is
surgically placed in the main vein in the abdomen (inferior vena
cava) to prevent further clots from getting to the lung.
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| Comments |
Clots tend to form in the deep
veins of the legs and pelvis in bed-ridden patients. This includes
most ICU patients. Measures are therefore taken in almost all ICU
patients to prevent the development of blood clots. These measures
include use of elastic stockings, air compression stockings and/or
small doses of blood thinners.
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| Related
Links |
National Library of Medicine
The National Library of Medicine website describes the essential
features of pulmonary embolism.
Canadian Lung Association
The Canadian Lung Association presents a website that describes
pulmonary embolism.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
The Mayo Foundation website provides very useful information for the
consumer regarding pulmonary embolism and a number of other medical
conditions.
eMedicine
The eMedicine.com site is a technical site developed for the health
care professional and has extensive information on pulmonary
embolism and numerous other medical conditions.
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ICU Medical Conditions 
