How common is shortness of breath in pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks blood flow in part of the lungs. The blockage can make breathing feel abruptly difficult and may cause sharp chest pain that is worse with a breath, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or coughing blood. Presentation differs between people, and breathlessness also has many causes. The important point is that sudden unexplained breathlessness requires urgent assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Seek urgent medical assessment immediately if new breathlessness is sudden, unexplained, or paired with chest pain, faintness, or coughing blood. Tell the healthcare team about recent surgery or hospital stay, long periods of reduced movement or travel, pregnancy or recent birth, prior clots, and medicines you take. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint, severely unwell, or too breathless to travel safely.

Call emergency services for severe difficulty breathing, collapse, fainting, blue or grey lips, new confusion, severe chest pain, or coughing blood. These signs can occur with serious heart or lung problems and need emergency evaluation. Even if symptoms settle, get prompt care for a sudden episode that has no clear explanation, particularly if one leg is newly swollen, painful, warm, or red.

Could my symptoms need urgent testing for a clot or another heart or lung cause? Which details about recent illness, travel, medicines, or family history are relevant? If testing is needed, what will it involve?