keuhkokuolioon

Keuhkokuolio, also known as pulmonary embolism (PE), is a medical condition where a blood clot, most commonly originating from the legs, travels to the lungs and blocks an artery. This blockage can reduce blood flow to a part of the lung, causing damage and potentially life-threatening consequences.

The most common cause of keuhkokuolio is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the legs. If a clot detaches and enters the bloodstream, it can travel through the circulatory system to the lungs. Other, less common causes include clots originating from other parts of the body, fat emboli (from bone fractures), air emboli, or even amniotic fluid entering the maternal circulation during childbirth.

Symptoms of keuhkokuolio can vary widely depending on the size and location of the clot. Common signs include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that may worsen with breathing, coughing up blood or bloody mucus, rapid heart rate, and lightheadedness or dizziness. In severe cases, it can lead to fainting, a drop in blood pressure, and even cardiac arrest.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as a CT pulmonary angiogram, which is the gold standard for diagnosis. Other tests may include a ventilation-perfusion scan or a D-dimer blood test.

Treatment for keuhkokuolio aims to dissolve or break up the clot and prevent new ones from forming. Anticoagulant medications, often referred to as blood thinners, are the mainstay of treatment. In severe cases, thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting drugs) or surgical removal of the clot may be necessary. Prophylactic measures, such as compression stockings and blood thinners, are often used to prevent DVT in individuals at high risk.