Pulmonary embolism is the sudden blockage of a major blood vessel (artery) in the lung, usually by a blood clot. The clots are small and not fatal in most cases; however they can damage the lung. And if the clot is large and stops flow of blood to the lungs, it can be deadly. Quick treatment could save a life or reduce the risk of future problems.
The most common symptoms are :
• Sudden shortness of breath.
• Sharp chest pain that is worse when coughing or taking a deep breath
• A cough that brings up pink, foamy mucus.
Pulmonary embolism can also cause more general symptoms. For example, you may feel anxious or on edge, sweat a lot, feel lightheaded or faint, or have a fast heart rate or palpitations.
