Lungnablóðtappi

Lungnablóðtappi is the Icelandic term for a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot, typically originating in the legs, travels to the lungs and blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These clots are usually formed in deep veins, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When a piece of this clot breaks off, it can travel through the bloodstream to the heart and then into the pulmonary arteries.

The severity of a lungnablóðtappi depends on the size and number of the clots and the extent of the blockage in the pulmonary arteries. Symptoms can vary widely but often include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that may worsen with breathing, coughing (sometimes with blood), rapid heart rate, and dizziness or lightheadedness. In severe cases, it can lead to a drop in blood pressure and shock.

Risk factors for developing lungnablóðtappi include immobility, such as during long periods of travel or after surgery, certain medical conditions like cancer or heart disease, a history of blood clots, obesity, smoking, and the use of hormonal contraceptives. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as a CT pulmonary angiogram. Treatment aims to prevent the clot from growing larger, break up existing clots, and prevent new ones from forming. This often involves anticoagulant medications, and in some cases, thrombolytic drugs or surgical procedures to remove the clot.