What is a pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism is blockage of a lung artery, usually by a clot that traveled from elsewhere.
Symptoms, causes and assessment
Sudden breathlessness, pain on breathing, fast heartbeat or fainting may occur. Other heart and lung conditions can resemble it; clinicians combine risk, examination and appropriate imaging. The same test is not right for everyone.
Care and when to seek help
This can be life-threatening; seek emergency help if suspected. Treatment may include anticoagulants or other interventions in severe cases. Waiting at home or self-medicating is unsafe.
Related topics
What is mammography screening?What is vitamin D deficiency?What Helps a Headache?What is tinnitus?What is a cataract?What helps stomach pain?What are the symptoms of a heart attack?What is chronic kidney disease?What is influenza?What is folate deficiency?What is cervical cancer screening?What is insomnia?What is hypertension?What is fatty liver disease?What is a concussion?What is healthy eating?What is sepsis?What is hypothyroidism?What is physical activity?What is vitamin B12 deficiency?What is endometriosis?What is hyperthyroidism?What is diabetes?What is antibiotic resistance?What is bipolar disorder?What is depression?What is vertigo?What Is HPV?What is tetanus?What is measles?What is constipation?What is prediabetes?What is gastritis?What helps a cough?What is dementia?What is sleep hygiene?What is migraine?What is acne?What is Parkinson disease?What is gout?What is Pilates? What are its benefits?What is epilepsy?What is food poisoning?What is coronary artery disease?What is gestational diabetes?What is pneumonia?What is dehydration?What is hearing loss?What does narcissist mean?What is shingles?