Warning Signs of a Pulmonary Embolism

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in the arteries of your lungs, usually caused by a blood clot. Common warning signs include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain (especially when breathing in), coughing (sometimes with blood), rapid heartbeat, and unexplained anxiety or sweating. Seek immediate medical help if you notice these symptoms.

What Is a Pulmonary Embolism?

A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage in one of the blood vessels in your lungs. Most often, this blockage is a blood clot that travels from another part of your body, usually your legs. This can prevent oxygen from reaching your lung tissue. If not treated quickly, a PE can be life-threatening.¹

Common Warning Signs

Let’s go through the most important symptoms you should look for. Some of these can appear suddenly and may be severe.

1. Sudden Shortness of Breath

You may notice that you cannot catch your breath, even when resting. This is one of the most common and earliest warning signs. The feeling can be intense and comes on quickly. It may feel as if you have run a marathon, but you have not been physically active.

2. Chest Pain

The chest pain with a pulmonary embolism often feels sharp or stabbing. It gets worse when you take a deep breath, cough, or bend over. Some people describe it as a pressure or heaviness in the chest. This pain can easily be mistaken for a heart attack, but the triggers (like breathing or coughing) often help tell the difference.

3. Cough

A dry cough is common, but sometimes, the cough produces bloody or pink-tinged mucus. If you notice blood when you cough, this is an emergency and needs urgent medical attention.

4. Rapid Heartbeat

Your heart may start racing for no clear reason. This happens because your heart is working harder to push blood through blocked arteries in your lungs. You might also feel palpitations—an awareness of your heart pounding in your chest.

5. Dizziness or Fainting

A severe drop in oxygen levels may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. If you feel like you might pass out, or if you actually do, this is a red flag that you could have a serious problem, such as a pulmonary embolism.

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6. Anxiety or a Feeling of Doom

Many people with PE report feeling very anxious, restless, or a sense that something is seriously wrong. This feeling can come before or along with other symptoms.

7. Sweating

Breaking out in a cold sweat, especially if you are not exerting yourself, is another warning sign. The body responds to stress and low oxygen by sweating.

Less Common Symptoms

Some symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can look like other health problems. These may include:

• Pain or swelling in one leg (often in the calf)—this can be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to PE.
• Mild fever.
• Clammy or bluish skin, especially on the lips or fingers.
• Sudden unexplained cough without other symptoms.

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Who Is at Risk?

Certain factors raise your risk of developing a blood clot that could travel to your lungs. These include:

• Recent surgery or trauma, especially involving the legs.
• Prolonged bed rest or immobility (such as long flights or hospital stays).
• Cancer.
• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Pregnancy or recent childbirth.
• Use of hormone-based medications, such as birth control pills.
• Personal or family history of blood clots.

If you have any of these risk factors, you should be extra alert to the warning signs listed above.²

What Should You Do if You Suspect a Pulmonary Embolism?

If you or someone near you experiences sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain, coughing up blood, or fainting, seek emergency medical help right away. Call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not try to drive yourself if you feel faint or dizzy.

Quick action is crucial because treatment can dissolve the clot and restore blood flow to your lungs. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances for a full recovery.

How Is a Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosed?

Doctors use a combination of your symptoms, physical exam, and imaging tests to diagnose PE. You may have:

• Blood tests (such as D-dimer).
• CT scan of the chest.
• Ultrasound of the legs to check for clots.
• An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart).

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How Is It Treated?

Treatment focuses on dissolving the clot and preventing new clots from forming. This often involves blood-thinning medications, and in severe cases, more advanced procedures may be needed to break up or remove the clot.

FAQs

1. Can a pulmonary embolism go away on its own?

Small clots may dissolve naturally, but a PE can be fatal. It is always safer to seek medical attention.

2. Are the warning signs of PE different from a heart attack?

Yes. Both can cause chest pain, but PE pain often gets worse with deep breathing, while heart attack pain is usually more constant.

3. How quickly do PE symptoms develop?

Symptoms usually come on suddenly but can also develop over several hours.

4. Can young, healthy people get a pulmonary embolism?

Yes. Anyone can develop a PE, especially after injury, surgery, or long periods of immobility.

5. How can I reduce my risk for PE?

Stay active, avoid sitting for long periods, follow your doctor’s advice after surgery, and talk to your doctor about your risk factors.

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References:

1. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pulmonary-embolism ↩︎
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-embolism/symptoms-causes/syc-20354647 ↩︎