What is Pulmonary Embolism?

By Grant Law Office on January 20, 2010

This blog is a summary of the VLOG (Video Blog) located in the Wayne Grant video library titled “What is Pulomonary Embolism?” https://www.grantlawoffice.com/video-library.html.

Wayne Grant – GA Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Attorney

Pulmonary Embolism is a clot which blocks circulation to the lungs. Pulmonary Embolism can kill you. It is usually the result of a clot that has formed in the lower leg, known as a DVT (deep vein thrombosis), which travels through the bloodstream and then blocks circulation to the lungs. There are risk factors, which predispose people to the formation of this type of clot, which can travel. The main risk factor is immobility. We’ve all heard of people who been traveling on planes and been sitting for long periods of time without movement, they are at an increased risk for DVT.

You are also at an increased risk if you have had any type of surgery and you are immobile for a period following the surgery. Doctors and hospitals should be keenly aware of the possibility of pulmonary embolism and should watch for “tell, tell” signs and symptoms, so that treatment can be instituted on an emergent basis. The “tell, tell” signs and symptoms may include any type of difficulty breathing, labored breathing, gasping for breath or wheezing. There are other signs that doctors and hospitals much watch for to avoid unnecessarily exposing patients to harm.