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May 24, 2013
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Pulmonary Embolism (cont.)

Medical Author:
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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Medical Editor:
George Schiffman, MD, FCCP
George Schiffman, MD, FCCP
George Schiffman, MD, FCCP

Dr. Schiffman received his B.S. degree with High Honors in biology from Hobart College in 1976. He then moved to Chicago where he studied biochemistry at the University of Illinois, Chicago Circle. He attended Rush Medical College where he received his M.D. degree in 1982 and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his Internal Medicine internship and residency at the University of California, Irvine.

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Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms

Not all pulmonary embolisms exhibit the same signs and symptoms. But certain symptoms may indicate that a pulmonary embolism has occurred.

The following signs and symptoms may occur (in the order they are typically seen):

  • Chest pain: Pain is very sharp and stabbing in nature, has a sudden onset, and is worse when taking a deep breath (referred to as pleuritic chest pain).
  • Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
  • Anxiety or apprehension
  • Cough: Usually, this cough is dry, but it may be associated with blood.
  • Sweating
  • Passing out

Doctors may suspect a blood clot if any of these symptoms occur in someone who has or recently had a swollen or painful arm or leg or who has any of the risk factors listed previously.

Must Read Articles Related to Pulmonary Embolism

Deep Vein Thrombosis (Blood Clot in the Leg, DVT)
Blood Clot in the Legs Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg, DVT) is a blood clot imbedded in one of the major veins of the lower body, including the legs, thighs, or pelvis. C...learn more >>
Chest Pain
Chest Pain Chest pain has many causes. Life-threatening causes include heart attack, angina, aortic dissection, perforated viscus, pulmonary embolism, collapsed lung, and ...learn more >>
Phlebitis
Phlebitis Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein. Superficial phlebitis affects the veins on the surface of the skin. Deep vein thrombophlebitis affects the larger veins...learn more >>
See the Entire Pulmonary Embolism Topic Guide »
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Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot In The Lung) - Symptoms

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Please describe your symptoms of pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung).

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Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot In The Lung) - Treatments

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What was your treatment for your pulmonary embolism

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Pulmonary Embolism »

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and potentially lethal disease; unfortunately, the diagnosis is often missed because patients with PE present with nonspecific signs and symptoms.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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