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Embolism - Embolism symptom, treatment, causes


Embolism can be defined as the blockage of an artery by foreign matter in the bloodstream. The particle causing the blockage is called an embolus, and may consist of a piece of blood clot, a clump of bacteria or fungi, a parasite, a fat globule, a bubble of air or other gas, a clump of tissue or tumour cells or other substances. Symptoms vary widely, depending on the site and size of the embolus. The blockage cuts off the blood supply to the parts beyond, resulting in INFARCTION (death of tissue). If embolism can be diagnosed promptly, before infarction occurs, emergency embolectomy (surgery to remove the embolus) may be possible, and in severe PUL-MONARY EMBOLISM may save the patient's life, If surgery is not possible, thrombolytic drugs (drugs that dissolve blood clots) and anticoagulant drugs (which prevent formation of blood clots) may be used.

Embolisation, also called therapeutic embolism, is the deliberate introduction of an embolus into an artery, with the aim of cutting off the blood supply of a malignant tumour or stopping otherwise uncontrollable internal bleeding.

Embolism is a sudden interruption of blood flow to an organ or body part due to a clot. Embolisation, also called therapeutic embolism, is the deliberate introduction of an embolus into an artery, with the aim of cutting off the blood supply of a malignant tumour or stopping otherwise uncontrollable internal bleeding. An embolism occurs when an object migrates from one part of the body (through circulation ) and cause a blockage of a blood vessel in another part of the body. In most cases, the blockage is caused by one or more blood clots that travel to your lungs from another part of your body. In most cases, a pulmonary embolism isn't fatal. Still, pulmonary embolism is a leading cause of hospital deaths and an increasing threat to passengers on long airplane flights. Arterial emboli often occur in the legs and feet. Some may occur in the brain, causing a stroke, or the heart, causing a heart attack. Less common sites include the kidneys, intestines, and the eyes. In most cases, pulmonary embolism is a complication of a condition called deep vein thrombosis. In deep vein thrombosis, blood clots form in the deep veins of the body. These clots can break free, travel to the lung, and block an artery. Treatments depend on how severe the symptoms are. Common treatments include medication to thin the blood, surgery to remove a blood clot, and compression stockings to reduce risk of developing blood clots in the legs.

Causes of Embolism

The common causes and risk factor's of Embolism include the following:

  • Atrial fibrillation.
  • Trauma or injury (especially to the legs).
  • Previous history of blood clot in the leg or PE.
  • Oral contraceptive use.
  • Long flight, road trip, or train journey.
  • Heart disease (such as an irregular heartbeat).
  • Hip fracture.

Symptoms of Embolism

Some sign and symptoms related to Embolism are as follows:

  • Muscle pain in the affected area.
  • Excessive sweating.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting (syncope).
  • Lack of movement of the extremity.
  • Weakness of arm or leg.
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Increased heart rate.

Treatment of Embolism

Here is list of the methods to treat Embolism:

  • Blood pressure elevators are IV medications given to critically ill people with low blood pressures. The most commonly used medication is dopamine (Intropin). It works to elevate the blood pressure into an acceptable range.
  • People with heart conditions may also be prescribed an anticoagulant drug to help to prevent clots forming.
  • With a pulmonary embolism, oxygen therapy is often used to maintain normal oxygen concentrations.
  • Antiplatelet medications (such as aspirin, ticlopidine, and clopidogrel).
  • Serious obstructions, such as a pulmonary embolism, need emergency medical treatment.

 


Embolism - Embolism symptom, treatment, causes

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