Pulmonary Embolism

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Pulmonary (PUL-mo-ner-ee) embolism (EM-boh-lizm) is the sudden blockage of an artery (blood vessel) in the lungs by an embolus. An embolus is usually a blood clot, but may also be fat, air, or tumor cells that are in the blood stream. Signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include chest pains, fast heartbeats, sudden shortness of breath, and trouble breathing. Treatment may include medicines and surgery to remove or break up the clot. Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition. Chances of survival are better with early diagnosis and treatment.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Blood thinners: Blood thinners are medicines that help prevent clots from forming in the blood. Clots can cause strokes, heart attacks, and death. Blood thinners may cause you to bleed or bruise more easily. Do the following if you are taking a blood thinner:
  
  
  • Watch for bleeding from your gums or nose, or in your urine or BMs.
    
    
  • Use a soft washcloth on your skin and a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. Doing this can keep your skin and gums from bleeding.
    
    
  • Tell your dentist before dental cleanings, and other caregivers before other procedures, that you take blood thinning medicine.
    
    
  • If you shave, use an electric shaver.
    
    
  • Do not play contact sports since you may bleed or bruise easily.
    
    
  • Wear a MedicAlert bracelet or necklace that says you are taking a blood thinner medicine. You may get one from your local drugstore or contact the MedicAlert Foundation.
  
  

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Support socks: You may need to wear support socks. The support socks are also called Ted Hose® or Jobst Stockings®. These socks may help decrease the swelling in your legs until you are walking more. They may also keep blood from staying in your legs and causing clots.

How can I decrease my chances of getting blood clots?

• Start an exercise program. Talk with your caregiver about the best exercise program for you and when you can start.
  
  
• Do not smoke. Talk to your caregiver about ways to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You are bleeding from your gums or nose, or if you see blood in your urine or bowel movement. Check your bowel movements to see if they are black or darker than normal.
  
  
• You are bruising easily and often.
  
  
• You have swelling or pain in the calf of your leg.
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about your illness or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Sudden chest pain.
  
  
• Sudden shortness of breath.
  
  
• Fast heartbeats.
  
  
• Coughing up blood.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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