Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is pulmonary embolic disease? In simple terms, it refers to a condition where a blockage, usually a blood clot that travels to the lungs and disrupts normal blood flow. This can become life-threatening fast, but the good news is: it’s preventable, treatable, and often detectable when you know the signs. In this guide, you’ll learn what causes pulmonary embolism, what symptoms to watch for, and how doctors treat it. 

What Is Pulmonary Embolic Disease?

Pulmonary embolic disease refers to any condition where an embolus (a traveling blockage) obstructs the pulmonary arteries in the lungs. When this happens, oxygen levels drop, heart strain increases, and serious complications can occur if not treated promptly.

In most cases, the embolus is a blood clot that forms elsewhere in the body, usually in the legs and travels upward. But other materials like fat, air, or even amniotic fluid can also cause blockages.

What Is Pulmonary Embolism and How Is It Connected to Pulmonary Embolic Disease?

What is pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a type of pulmonary embolic disease where a blood clot blocks the lung’s arteries. It’s the most common and most dangerous form.

How they relate

Pulmonary embolic disease is the broader category, while pulmonary embolism is the specific event where a clot causes the blockage.

Types of emboli

There are several types of emboli that can trigger this condition:

• Blood clot emboli – the most common
  

• Air emboli – often related to trauma or medical procedures
  

• Fat emboli – usually from fractures of long bones
  

• Amniotic fluid emboli – very rare but serious; occurs during childbirth
  

Who is most at risk?

People at higher risk include:

• Those with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  

• Individuals who sit for long periods (flights, office work)
  

• Post-surgery patients
  

• Pregnant women
  

• Smokers
  

• People with clotting disorders
  

• Older adults
  

• Individuals on estrogen-based medications
  

What Causes Pulmonary Embolism?

Pulmonary embolism usually starts with deep vein thrombosis, where a clot forms in the legs or pelvis and travels to the lungs.

The major causes include:

• Prolonged immobility (long flights, bed rest, desk jobs)
  

• Recent surgery or injury
  

• Blood clotting disorders
  

• Pregnancy
  

• Hormone therapy or birth control pills
  

• Cancer and cancer treatments
  

• Smoking
  

• Obesity
  

• Previous episodes of DVT or PE
  

What Are the Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism?

Here’s breakdown of the common symptoms of pulmonary embolism to watch out for:

Common Symptoms

• Sudden shortness of breath
  

• Sharp chest pain (often worse when breathing deeply)
  

• Rapid heartbeat
  

• Unexplained cough
  

• Coughing up blood
  

• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
  

• Cold, clammy skin
  

Mild vs. Severe Symptoms

• Mild: Slight breathlessness, mild chest discomfort, light cough
  

• Severe: Severe chest pain, fainting, fast heartbeat, coughing blood
  

Red-flag symptoms requiring immediate care

• Sudden collapse
  

• Severe difficulty breathing
  

• Blue or gray lips
  

• Extreme chest pain
  

• Profound weakness or confusion
  

Why the symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions

Pulmonary embolism can mimic:

• Heart attack
  

• Panic attack
  

• Pneumonia
  

• Asthma flare-ups
  

This is why early evaluation is so important.

Treatment for Pulmonary Embolism

Treatment depends on severity, but the goal is to dissolve the clot, prevent new clots, and protect the lungs and heart.

Common treatments for pulmonary embolism include:

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants) – prevent further clotting
  

• Thrombolytics (clot-dissolving medication) – used in emergencies
  

• Catheter-based procedures – to remove or break up clots
  

• Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter – for patients who can’t take blood thinners
  

• Oxygen therapy – helps stabilize breathing
  

How Pulmonary Embolism Can Be Prevented

Prevention is crucial, especially if you’re at high risk.

Proven Prevention Strategies

• Stay active and avoid long periods of sitting
  

• Hydrate regularly
  

• Maintain a healthy weight
  

• Quit smoking
  

• Follow doctor recommendations after surgery
  

Though the Use of Compression Stockings

Compression stockings help improve circulation in the legs and reduce the chance of DVT, the primary cause of pulmonary embolism.

Doc Miller Sports offer high-quality, medical-grade compression stockings, sleeves, and legwear designed to lower your risk, especially during travel, workouts, pregnancy, or recovery.

Post-surgery precautions

• Begin gentle movement as soon as safely possible
  

• Use prescribed compression stockings
  

• Follow medication instructions closely
  

Long-term lifestyle changes

• Exercise regularly
  

• Manage chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension)
  

• Avoid smoking
  

• Monitor clotting risk with your doctor
  

Who Is Most at Risk of Pulmonary Embolic Disease?

You are more likely to develop pulmonary embolic disease if you:

• Have a history of DVT or pulmonary embolism
  

• Recently had surgery (especially orthopedic)
  

• Sit for extended periods
  

• Are over age 60
  

• Are pregnant or postpartum
  

• Take hormone therapy or birth control
  

• Have cancer
  

• Are overweight
  

• Have genetic or acquired clotting disorders
  

• Are a smoker
  

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Pulmonary embolism can become fatal fast, so don’t wait if symptoms appear.

Emergency symptoms:

• Sudden, severe shortness of breath
  

• Chest pain that feels crushing or stabbing
  

• Fainting or near-fainting
  

• Rapid heartbeat
  

• Coughing up blood
  

Why early treatment matters

Quick treatment dramatically improves survival by restoring oxygen flow, reducing heart strain, and preventing complications.

What to do while waiting for help

• Call emergency services immediately
  

• Stay seated or lie down
  

• Keep calm and breathe slowly
  

• Avoid walking or exertion
  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is pulmonary embolic disease the same as a pulmonary embolism?

Not exactly. Pulmonary embolism is the most common type of pulmonary embolic disease, but the term “embolic disease” also includes blockages caused by fat, air, or other materials.

2. Can pulmonary embolism go away on its own?

Small clots sometimes dissolve naturally, but relying on this is dangerous. Medical treatment is always necessary.

3. How long does recovery from a pulmonary embolism take?

Many people recover within weeks, but full healing can take months depending on clot size and overall health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for concerns about pulmonary embolism or any medical condition.