And what are its causes?
Pulmonary thrombosis is one of the most dangerous conditions, as it obstructs blood flow to the lungs. Learn about it and ways to treat it from here.
Constant shortness of breath or chest pain may indicate a blood clot in the lung, what are the other symptoms associated with it? and possible treatment methods? Full details are in the following:
lung clot
A lung clot occurs due to blood clots moving to the lungs from the legs, causing a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries, and the occurrence of the so-called pulmonary embolism (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
Because a lung clot obstructing blood flow to the lungs can be life-threatening, prompt treatment may help reduce the risk of death.
How does a lung clot occur?
A clot in the lung area occurs when a blood clot occurs in a particular artery in the lung. These blood clots usually come from the deep leg veins in the leg. This condition is known as deep vein thrombosis.
The clots don''t have to happen all at once, but parts of the lung get damaged with each blockage in the artery, making it more difficult for the lung to supply oxygen to the rest of the body.
When does a lung clot occur?
Blood clots in the lung are more likely to occur during periods of inactivity, such as
Long rest on the bed
If you are confined to bed for an extended period after surgery, such as: a heart attack, a broken leg, shock, or any serious illness that may make a person more susceptible to blood clots.
In the sleeping position, the lower limbs are horizontal for long periods, which leads to a slowdown in the flow of venous blood, and thus blood collects in the legs, causing some clots, including a lung clot.
long trips
Sitting in a cramped position during plane or car travel slows blood flow in the legs, contributing to clots.
Factors that increase lung thrombosis
There are several factors that increase lung clotting, the most prominent of which are the following:
Cardiovascular disease: specifically heart failure, as this increases the possibility of a clot in the lung.
Having some types of cancer, including: pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer, all of which can increase the risk of developing blood clots.
Exposure to chemotherapy: especially in women who take tamoxifen or raloxifene to treat cancer, as it puts them at greater risk of blood clots.
Smoking: Smoking sets the stage for a blood clot in the lungs, especially when combined with other risk factors.
Being overweight: Excess weight increases the risk of blood clots, especially in women who smoke or have high blood pressure.
Pregnancy: As the baby''s pressure on the veins in the pelvis may slow the return of blood from the legs, so clots are more likely to occur.
Birth control pills: The estrogen in birth control pills and in hormone replacement therapy can increase clotting factors in the blood.
Lung embolism symptoms
Symptoms of a lung clot can vary depending on the size of the clot, and whether the person has lung or heart disease.
Common signs and symptoms include
Shortness of breath: This symptom usually appears suddenly and gets worse.
Chest pain: The pain in the chest is similar to the feeling of a heart attack, and the pain may become worse when breathing deeply or when coughing and standing down.
Persistent cough: during which mucus mixed with blood often comes out.
There can be other symptoms affecting other parts of the body, including
Leg pain or swelling.
Skin color changed to blue.
Excessive sweating.
fast or irregular heartbeats
lightheadedness or dizziness
A clot in the lung can be life-threatening, so seek immediate medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or a cough that produces phlegm with blood.
Treatment and prevention of lung thrombosis
Preventing clots in the deep veins of the leg helps prevent a lung clot, so your doctor may recommend the following treatments:
anticoagulants
These medications are often given to people at risk of clots before and after an operation, as well as people who are admitted to hospital with a heart attack, stroke or complications of cancer.
compression stockings
Compression stockings constantly compress the legs, helping the veins and calf muscles to move blood more efficiently, and they provide a safe, simple, and inexpensive way to prevent blood from stagnating.
leg raise
It is preferable to raise the legs when possible and during the night, or the bottom of your bed can be raised 4-6 degrees.
Preventing strokes while traveling
Your doctor may suggest the following to help prevent blood clots while traveling
Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids prevents dehydration, which contributes to the development of blood clots.
Take a break from sitting: by moving around the cabin of the plane once an hour, but in the case of driving a car, you must stop every hour and walk outside the car.
Flexing the ankles of the feet: preferably every 15-30 minutes.
Wearing support stockings: They help promote blood circulation and fluid movement in the legs.
