The Telltale Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

When a pulmonary embolism is detected early, the chances of survival increase significantly.

A pulmonary embolism is a clump of material that lodges in the lungs. The source is usually a blood clot that many times starts within the deep veins of the legs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sudden death occurs with 25% of people diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.

It’s important to be aware of the most common symptoms, so that someone can be treated right away.

The bad news is that there are cases where symptoms do not appear at all and the first sign of a pulmonary embolism is sudden death.

What To Look Out For:

Shortness of breath: This is typically the first symptom you’ll notice. It will worsen with exertion.

Coughing: Someone may produce blood-streaked sputum once a blockage develops.

Chest pain: is an important indicator of pulmonary embolism.

The above can also be associated with a number of sicknesses and diseases, such as a heart attack. A good way to usually distinguish if someone has a pulmonary embolism is that when they take a deep breath, the pain will worsen significantly.

Signs of a Blood Clot in the Leg:

A blood clot in the leg, often in the calf, is a serious condition. If the blood clot breaks off, it can become a pulmonary embolism. Blood clots in the legs and can be associated with one or more of these signs and symptoms.

Beware if one leg is:

1. Painful

2. Warmer than the other leg

3. Swollen as compared to the other leg

4. Red

5. You can feel a cord, which can feel like a "pencil" under the skin. This is where blood is backing up.

If you suspect a blood clot, this could be the precursor to a pulmonary embolism and immediate medical attention is indicated. NEVER massage the leg in the area of the suspected blood clot, since this could dislodge the clot.

If you suspect someone has a pulmonary embolism, the best choice in my opinion is to err on the side of caution and dial 911.

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