Pulmonary embolism is a common disease, also known as the 'silent killer'. Because its incidence rate is very high, but many people do not understand it, easy to be ignored. What is pulmonary embolism? What are the causes of pulmonary embolism? How can we avoid the occurrence of pulmonary embolism? Now let me give you a comprehensive introduction to the life-threatening pulmonary embolism. ↓↓↓
Pulmonary embolism refers to a disease in which blood clots or other substances block the pulmonary artery or its branches, leading to insufficient pulmonary perfusion, inadequate alveolar ventilation, tissue hypoxia, and pulmonary dysfunction. The harm of pulmonary embolism is significant, as it may lead to serious consequences such as acute respiratory failure, heart failure, and pulmonary infarction, endangering life.
1、 Risk factors for pulmonary thromboembolism
1. Genetic risk factors: coagulation factor V gene mutation, prothrombin gene mutation, MTHFR gene mutation, antithrombin III gene defect. Protein C gene deficiency, protein S gene deficiency, etc. VTE patients with genetic risk factors often present with recurrent arteriovenous thrombosis as the main clinical manifestation.
2. Acquired risk factors: age, history of pulmonary thromboembolism, malignant tumors, paralysis, chronic heart failure, respiratory failure, long-term bed rest, hormone therapy, oral contraceptives, smoking, obesity, joint replacement surgery, major general surgery, urology, gynecological surgery, neurosurgery, severe trauma, fractures, spinal cord injury, infection, blood transfusion, pregnancy, childbirth, etc.
2、 Typical symptoms of pulmonary embolism
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism are diverse, some of which are mild and easily overlooked, while others are very severe. Generally speaking, early symptoms of pulmonary embolism include shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and bloody sputum, but these symptoms are not specific and are easily misdiagnosed or missed. If pulmonary embolism develops to a more severe stage, symptoms such as palpitations, fainting, and changes in consciousness may occur, requiring timely medical treatment.
1. Shortness of breath: Pulmonary embolism can lead to inadequate pulmonary perfusion, resulting in insufficient oxygen supply and causing shortness of breath. When patients engage in light exercise or activity, symptoms of shortness of breath become more pronounced.
2. Chest pain: Pulmonary embolism can lead to thrombosis in the pulmonary artery, obstructing blood flow and causing chest pain. Chest pain usually occurs suddenly and can last for minutes to hours.
3. Cough: Pulmonary embolism can also cause coughing, especially dry cough. Coughing is usually caused by stimulation of the lungs.
4. Blood in sputum: Pulmonary embolism can lead to insufficient pulmonary circulation, causing alveolar bleeding and resulting in bright red or dark red blood streaks in sputum.
5. Palpitations: Pulmonary embolism can lead to increased cardiac load, causing the heart to continuously accelerate and leading to palpitations. Palpitations are usually caused by the heart's inability to meet the body's demand for oxygen.
6. Fainting: In some cases, pulmonary embolism may cause symptoms of fainting. This is because hypoxia and circulatory disorders caused by pulmonary embolism can affect brain function.
3、 The hazards of pulmonary embolism
1. Life threatening: Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening disease. Thrombosis blocks the pulmonary artery, causing hypoxia in the lungs. If left untreated, it may lead to sudden death of the patient.
2. Causing respiratory distress: Pulmonary embolism can lead to insufficient pulmonary perfusion, resulting in inadequate oxygen supply and causing symptoms such as shortness of breath and shortness of breath.
3. Causes of lung diseases: Pulmonary embolism can lead to hypoxia in the lungs, causing damage to lung tissue, and may even cause other lung diseases such as pulmonary infarction and lung infections.
4. Increased cardiac load: Pulmonary embolism can lead to increased cardiac load, causing the heart to continuously accelerate and increase its load, which may lead to the occurrence of heart disease in the long run.
5. Impact on patients' quality of life: Pulmonary embolism can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing and chest pain, affecting patients' daily lives and even causing them to be unable to work and live normally.
4、 How to prevent pulmonary embolism?
1. Multi activity: Long term static sitting or bed rest can easily lead to blood stasis and increase the risk of pulmonary embolism. Therefore, maintaining physical activity is crucial for preventing pulmonary embolism. Every once in a while, getting up and moving around, such as ankle pump exercises, walking, and doing some simple exercises, can effectively promote blood circulation and reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism.
2. Healthy diet: Reasonable eating habits are also important measures to prevent pulmonary embolism. To avoid high-fat, high cholesterol, and high salt foods, drink more water, eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, as well as fiber rich foods, can lower blood lipids and cholesterol, and reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism.
3. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Both smoking and alcohol consumption increase the risk of pulmonary embolism. Therefore, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can effectively prevent pulmonary embolism.
4. Pay attention to medication use: Certain medications, such as estrogen and birth control pills, can increase the risk of pulmonary embolism. Therefore, when using these medications, one should follow the doctor's advice and undergo regular check ups and examinations.
5. Wearing loose clothes: Wearing clothes that are too tight can affect blood circulation and increase the risk of pulmonary embolism. Therefore, wearing loose and comfortable clothes can effectively prevent pulmonary embolism.