Pulmonary embolism: the "invisible killer" hidden between breaths

When we talk about breathing, most people think of fresh air, blue skies, or vigorous exercise. However, have you ever thought that between every breath we take, there is a potentially fatal "invisible killer" hidden - pulmonary embolism. Today, let us unveil this mysterious disease, explore the mystery behind it, and see how to prevent it in daily life.

1. What is pulmonary embolism?

Pulmonary embolism may sound far away, but in fact, it is a clinical and pathophysiological syndrome of pulmonary circulation disorder caused by emboli such as blood clots, fat, amniotic fluid, air, etc. that block the pulmonary artery or its branches. Simply put, the pulmonary artery is blocked, so that the lungs cannot get enough blood supply, thus causing a series of serious symptoms.

2. Who is the mastermind behind pulmonary embolism?

The "culprit" behind pulmonary embolism is usually deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When we sit for a long time, lie in bed or lack exercise, the blood flow in the veins of the lower limbs becomes slow, making it easy for blood clots to form. Once these blood clots break off, they may flow to the lungs with the blood, block the pulmonary artery, and cause pulmonary embolism.

3. What are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism?

Symptoms of pulmonary embolism vary from person to person, but usually include difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing, and coughing up blood. These symptoms are often mistaken for other diseases, such as heart disease and pneumonia, so pulmonary embolism is often called the "invisible killer." If you experience these symptoms, especially if you suddenly stand up after sitting for a long time or lying in bed, you should see a doctor immediately.

4. How to diagnose pulmonary embolism?

Diagnosis of pulmonary embolism usually requires a combination of the patient's symptoms, signs, and relevant test results. The doctor may perform blood tests, electrocardiograms, chest X-rays, echocardiograms, and other tests to rule out other possibilities and confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, the doctor may also need to perform more precise tests such as pulmonary angiography.

5. Treatment and prevention of pulmonary embolism

Treatment for pulmonary embolism usually includes medication, mechanical ventilation, and surgery. Medication mainly uses anticoagulants and thrombolytics to prevent the formation of blood clots and dissolve existing blood clots. For patients with severe symptoms, mechanical ventilation may be required to assist breathing. In some special cases, such as when a large pulmonary embolism is life-threatening, surgery may be required.

Of course, preventing pulmonary embolism is equally important. We can reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism by:

Stay active : Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming, cycling, etc., can improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clotting.

Avoid sitting for long periods of time: Sitting or lying in bed for long periods of time can easily lead to blood congestion in the veins of the lower limbs, increasing the risk of thrombosis. Therefore, we should try to avoid staying in the same posture for a long time, and we can stand up and move around every once in a while, or do some simple leg exercises.

Reasonable diet : Maintaining a balanced diet and taking in enough dietary fiber can reduce blood viscosity and reduce the chance of thrombosis.

Control your weight : Obese people are at higher risk for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, so maintaining a healthy weight is important for preventing pulmonary embolism.

Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption : Smoking and excessive drinking can damage vascular endothelial cells and increase the risk of thrombosis. Therefore, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are important for preventing pulmonary embolism.

VI. Conclusion

Although pulmonary embolism is a serious disease, as long as we understand the causes and preventive measures behind it, we can effectively reduce the risk of disease. Let us start from now on to pay attention to our respiratory health and stay away from the threat of this "invisible killer". At the same time, we should also remind people around us to let them understand the hazards and prevention methods of pulmonary embolism, and jointly protect our respiratory safety.

In the process of exploring the mysterious disease of pulmonary embolism, we can't help but have a deeper understanding of the fragility and preciousness of life. Let us cherish every breath, pay attention to respiratory health, and make the flower of life more colorful.