What are the treatment options for pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the lungs. It can reduce blood flow through the lungs and strain the heart. Doctors assess breathing, oxygen levels, circulation, symptoms and bleeding risk to decide how much monitoring and treatment is needed.

Some people need hospital care at once, while selected stable patients may later continue treatment outside hospital with a clear follow-up plan. A GP Consultation is not a substitute for emergency assessment when sudden breathlessness or chest pain suggests a clot.

Anticoagulant medicine helps stop the clot growing and reduces the chance of further clots while the body gradually clears the blockage. Treatment may start in hospital and continue for a period chosen by the treating team. Anticoagulation Management covers monitoring, interactions, missed doses and bleeding precautions.

Severe or unstable illness may require oxygen, close monitoring, medicines that rapidly break down or remove a clot, or other specialist procedures. The choice depends on circulation, clot burden, bleeding risk and the cause of the embolism.

Take anticoagulants exactly as prescribed and tell every healthcare professional and dentist that you use one. Do not add aspirin, anti-inflammatory medicines or supplements without checking. Read more about Pulmonary Embolism and keep every follow-up appointment.

Call emergency services immediately for sudden or severe breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting, blue lips, new confusion or a very fast or irregular heartbeat. If you are already taking an anticoagulant, seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, black stools, vomiting blood, a severe headache or a head injury.

Ask which anticoagulant you are taking, how to handle a missed dose, which medicines and activities increase bleeding risk, how long treatment is planned, and what symptoms require emergency help. Discuss travel, procedures, pregnancy plans and any previous clot or bleeding history.