A blood clot in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). The condition is created from a blood clot that formed in the leg, broke free and went to the lungs. Risk factors that increase the chance of developing blood clots in the leg include periods of immobility, such as surgery, long airplane trips and bed rest. Having a PE may be life-threatening or cause permanent damage. Medical treatment is necessary to dissolve the clot. It is important to know the signs of a pulmonary embolism to be able to seek emergency medical treatment.
No Signs
Many people with a small blood clot in the lungs may not experience signs or symptoms in the beginning. Larger clots can cause symptoms sooner. Other times, the signs resemble another medical condition, such as a heart attack or a stroke. Some patients may also miss signs of a blood clot in the legs that leads to the occurrence of the PE.
Shortness of Breath
Patients with a PE may experience a sudden and severe difficulty catching their breath. Breathing becomes rapid, and short breaths are all that the individual can inhale. The shortness of breath may even occur during periods of rest.
Cough
An individual may have a cough with a pulmonary embolism. The cough may or may not produce sputum. According to the Mayo Clinic, if any sputum is produced, it may have blood with it. Other times blood may be produced with the coughing.
Chest Pain
A sudden pain in the chest can accompany the blood clot in the lungs. The pain may worsen when moving around. Once resting, the pain continues and does not dissipate. The pain may also spread, much like a heart attack. The arm, jaw and neck may have pain, in addition to the chest.
Additional Signs
Dizziness, fainting and anxiety may occur along with a blood clot in the lungs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the person may also experience a depressed mood. The individual will have low oxygen levels when checked on a monitor.
Diagnostic Scans
A ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan involves two separate types of scans to check for the presence of a blood clot in the lung. A scan is taken while inhaling a special gas containing radioisotopes, and additional radioisotopes are injected into a vein. If the scan reveals low levels of oxygen in areas of the lung, it signifys a PE. A computed tomography (CT) is used to diagnose a PE after seeing the image on the scan.
