How is pulmonary embolism treated?

A Pulmonary Embolism is a blood clot that blocks an artery in the lungs, often causing sudden Shortness of Breath, Chest Pain, or Coughing Up Blood. Clinicians assess breathing, circulation, clot size and location, and bleeding risk. Treatment decisions are made in hospital when the diagnosis is suspected or confirmed.

Anticoagulation Management uses medicine that reduces the blood’s ability to form additional clots while the body gradually clears the existing clot. Some people begin treatment in hospital and continue it at home with planned reviews. Severe or unstable illness may require oxygen, clot-dissolving medicine, catheter treatment, or surgery. Take anticoagulants exactly as prescribed and report unusual bleeding, black stools, or a severe headache.

Call emergency services for sudden or worsening breathing difficulty, severe chest pain, fainting, blue lips, coughing up more than a trace of blood, or collapse. If you take an anticoagulant, urgent care is also needed for heavy bleeding or a significant head injury. Do not drive yourself when symptoms are severe.

Ask which anticoagulant is planned, how to manage missed doses, which medicines and activities may increase bleeding risk, how follow-up will be arranged, and which symptoms require emergency help.