Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism (EM buh liz um) is a blood clot in the large blood vessels in the lungs. Blood flow to the lungs can be totally blocked or partially blocked. You may hear a pulmonary embolism referred to as a “PE.”
Causes
Pulmonary embolisms are caused by blood clots that can develop from:
- Staying in one position for a long time.
- Certain illnesses, such as cancer and diabetes.
- Hereditary factors.
Signs and Symptoms
Your child may have one or more of the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast breathing
- Bluish color of the fingers and lips
- Coughing up blood
Diagnosis
Certain radiology tests can be done to tell if your child has a pulmonary embolism. The tests are not painful. Your child will be awake during the tests. These tests include:
- CT scan (Picture 1)
- Ventilation/Perfusion or “VQ” scan
Treatment
Your child’s doctor will talk with you about specific care for your child. Some general treatment options are listed below:
- Blood thinning medicine
- Special “Clot-Busting” medicines
- IVC filters - a special device that helps prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs
How to Prevent a Pulmonary Embolism
It is important to stop blood clots from forming. Blood clots can lead to pulmonary embolism.
Some things that can prevent blood clots are:
- Not smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Not sitting for long periods of time
Follow-up
Your child will see a Hematology doctor in the outpatient clinic soon after discharge.
Additional laboratory and radiology tests may be needed.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has any of the following:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Bluish color of fingers or lips
- Bleeding or coughing up blood
Call your child’s doctor at _________________ during regular clinic hours for:
- Appointments
- Medicine refills
- Questions or concerns
Be sure to call your child’s doctor’s office at _________________________ if you cannot keep an appointment.
HH-I-418 6/18 Copyright 2018, Nationwide Children’s Hospital