The human body has its way of coping with diverse situations but sometimes it may face a condition that may appear trivial yet this condition could result in death if it is not diagnosed and managed quickly.
One of such conditions is pulmonary embolism. This is a sudden blockage of a major blood vessel in the lung, usually, by a blood clot.
A large clot can stop blood flow to the lungs and could cause sudden death. Fortunately for us, the clots are often small and may only result in various degrees of lung damage and reduced oxygen supply to body tissues.
These blood clots that cause the blockage of vessels in the lungs commonly originate from the deep veins of the legs but may also come from other parts of the body. This condition is referred to as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
When the clot moves from its origin then it is referred to as an embolus. Though blood clots commonly cause the blockage of the vessels, other causes include; fat from a broken long bone, parts of a tumour, air bubbles and even amniotic fluid.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) may present general symptoms such as anxiety, increased sweating, faintness or lightheadedness and sometimes the heart begins to beat faster. Classically, we may experience one or more of the following:
- Severe chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply, cough, eat or bend over. The pain worsens when you exert yourself but the pain does not go away with rest.
- A cough that may produce bloody or blood-streaked sputum.
- Shortness of breath that appears suddenly and worsens with activity.
Although anyone can develop DVT and subsequently pulmonary embolism, certain conditions such as the following increase our risk:
- People born with blood that clots easily and quickly
- Being inactive for long periods such as being in bed after surgery or during an illness. Sitting for long hours on a flight or in a car.
- Recent surgery, especially those involving the legs, hips, belly or brain.
- Some diseases such as cancer, heart failure, stroke or severe infection.
- Pregnancy and childbirth, especially if childbirth is through a caesarean section.
- Taking birth control pills or hormone therapy.
- Smoking
- Being obese
- Aging
Pulmonary embolism can be any doctor’s nightmare, since it can mimic equally serious conditions such as a heart attack, panic attack and pneumonia. A doctor after examining you may order blood tests, as well as one or more of the following; Chest X-ray, Ultrasound, Spiral CT scan, electrocardiogram (ECG) and MRI.
Treatment
Treatment is based on drugs often referred to as blood thinners. These medications do not actually thin blood but they help prevent new clots and keep existing clots from growing. When the symptoms are life-threatening and if available, you may be put on a “clot-busting” drug.
However, in most cases, your doctor may start you immediately on a shot of heparin, which is a fast-acting blood thinner, and later convert you to a pill such as warfarin or newer medications.
It is essential that everyone on warfarin consults a dietician to modify their diet to ensure that warfarin remains effective. Vitamin K rich products may reduce the effectiveness of warfarin and hence increase your risk of forming clots.
While on warfarin beware of Vitamin K-containing greens, including Kontomire and other green components of salad, as well as green tea. Beware of onions and garlic as well; keep them on the low side. Alcohol and cranberry juice can enhance the activity of warfarin, leading to bleeding. Minimise their consumption or better still avoid them.
How to reduce the risk of forming clots
In general, stay healthy and try the following frequently;
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. At the top of each hour walk for a minute or two. Wriggle your toes and flex your feet as you sit
- Walk often while on a plane and even while in your chair move your feet regularly
- Break your journey by road and walk around briefly.
- Move as soon as you can after surgery
- While travelling drink a lot of water but avoid alcohol and caffeine
- If you are at high risk wear compression stockings
- If you are on blood-thinning medication take it exactly as your doctor and pharmacist have advised.
We can never become immortals, neither can we fully explain all conditions but enjoy life and let us all avoid excesses.
