Understanding Pulmonary Embolism: A Sneaky Blockage in Your Lungs

Your bloodstream is like a bustling highway, with red blood cells zooming along like eager commuters. Now imagine a rogue, oversized rock suddenly appears in the middle of the road. The cells will crash and cause a traffic jam. That's kind of what a pulmonary embolism is — an unwelcome obstruction that disrupts the smooth flow of blood.

In a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot or sometimes a fat globule, air bubble, or tumour fragment breaks free from its original location, travels through the veins, and lodges in one of the lung's pulmonary arteries. This blockage can significantly impair the lungs' ability to get oxygen into the bloodstream, leading to potentially serious health issues. 

Data from India indicate that the overall incidence of pulmonary embolism in adults is 15.9%, with the condition being a contributing factor in 80% of mortality cases among these patients.

Few of us, if any, would want to play the ‘who’s most likely to develop a pulmonary embolism’ game, but if you’re curious, here’s a rundown of those who might be at a higher risk:

1. You might be at risk if you spend more time on your couch than standing up. Prolonged immobility — think long flights, road trips, or being glued to a desk can increase your chances.
2. Anyone who recently had surgery, especially major ones, could be more susceptible. That said, don't slack off on those post-op exercises even if you’ve just had a minor procedure!
3. Genetic predisposition plays a role. If your family tree is filled with relatives who have had blood clots, your risk might be higher. It's like the genetic lottery but with far less desirable odds.
4. Pregnancy and the post-delivery period can be a wild ride for your body, increasing the risk of clots. Blood clots and pregnancy are like a dynamic duo.
5. Carrying excess weight and obesity may increase the likelihood of developing blood clots. Think of it as your body saying, “Hey, let’s up the challenge!”

If you are someone who likes mild Italian food and suddenly get exposed to Indian curries, it might get too hot for you to handle. That’s sort of how a pulmonary embolism feels — suddenly overwhelming and alarming. Often, pulmonary embolism can be mistaken for lethargy, but sudden onset of symptoms can be a cue to go to the nearest emergency ward.

Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can differ but commonly include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Coughing
• Swelling

If you experience most of these symptoms, don’t start searching for anecdotes. Instead, head to the nearest emergency room. We’re serious.

Treatment for pulmonary embolism often involves several strategies. Your doctor may prescribe certain medications to help prevent the formation of new clots while trying to dissolve the original clot. They will also diagnose you for underlying causes to prevent future clot formation. In rare situations, surgery might be required to remove the clot or place a filter in the vein to catch future clots.

“Remember, if you suspect you’re having a pulmonary embolism, don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse. Time is of the essence, so act and seek medical advice promptly,” advises Dr Neeraj Jain, MBBS, chest disease, Delhi.

Preventing pulmonary embolism is all about keeping your blood flowing and your legs moving:

Regular exercise helps keep your blood flowing. If you’re on a long flight or car trip, stretch and move around periodically. This will ensure your blood keeps flowing and oxygen keeps doing its job.

Keeping a healthy weight lowers the risk of blood clots. It’s like giving your body a better vehicle to navigate the health highway.

Drinking plenty of water helps prevent your blood from becoming too thick. It’s like keeping your vehicle’s engine running smoothly.

Routine check-ups can help identify potential problems before they escalate into serious issues. They are like routine maintenance for your body’s machinery.

Pulmonary embolism is like that sneaky guest who shows up uninvited and causes major trouble by blocking blood flow to your lungs. To avoid this, stop being a couch potato — move around, stretch, and stay hydrated. A little movement goes a long way in keeping your lungs happy, healthy, and breathing easy.

Risk factors for pulmonary embolism include prolonged inactivity, such as long flights or bed rest. Other risks include recent surgery, obesity, smoking, or a family history of blood clots.

Pulmonary embolism is diagnosed through a combination of imaging and other diagnostic tests. Doctors typically use certain tests to visualise lung clots, while invasive diagnostic tests help detect clotting factors in your system.

Treatment for pulmonary embolism often starts with certain medications to prevent or dissolve clots. For severe cases, doctors might even resort to surgery to remove the blockage and relieve symptoms.

Yes, pulmonary embolism can often be prevented by staying active and steering clear of lengthy periods of inactivity, like long flights or extended bed rest, wearing compression stockings, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated.

To reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism, incorporate regular exercise into your routine, take breaks to stand up and move around during long journeys or while working at a desk to prevent prolonged inactivity, and maintain a healthy weight.