Comprehensive Care for Pulmonary Embolism in Southern California
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in a major lung artery. A blood clot in the leg or another part of the body can travel to the lung and become stuck. This is a medical emergency because it blocks the flow of oxygen-rich blood from reaching vital organs in the body. Dial 911 and seek medical care if you or someone you care for is experiencing a pulmonary embolism.
When you visit an emergency department at one of our locations in Camarillo, Glendale, Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, Oxnard, and San Bernardino for symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, your triage care team will work efficiently to assess your medical state for the most effective treatment.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
About half of all people with a pulmonary embolism don’t have any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are sudden and unexpected.
If you have a pulmonary embolism, you may experience:
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or bloody sputum
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Excessive sweating
- Back pain
- Lightheadedness
- Bluish lips and nails
Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a common cause for a pulmonary embolism. Both conditions often occur at the same time.
Symptoms of DVT include:
- Leg pain and leg swelling
- Warmth in the legs
- Leg redness or discoloration
Dial 911 for sudden symptoms of a blood clot in the lung or elsewhere in the body.
Treating Blood Clots in the Lungs at Dignity Health Southern California
Our emergency doctors treat pulmonary embolism to help prevent lung or other organ damage. Often, blood thinners or anticoagulants will break up the blood clot over time. In emergency cases, your doctor may recommend quick clot-busting medications called thrombolytics, a catheter-based procedure, or surgery to dissolve the clot. Blood clot treatment may cause other serious complications, so your doctor will consider your overall health before deciding on the most effective treatment.
After a pulmonary embolism diagnosis, you may need ongoing care to treat the root cause. Find a Doctor today to receive a full-range of care.
Dignity Health offers emergency treatment for pulmonary embolism in Southern California.