Customer question:
What are the first symptoms of an embolism? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
The first pulmonary embolism symptoms may include:
- Sudden shortness of breath: one of the most common symptoms of a pulmonary embolism is a sudden feeling of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, which can occur suddenly and for no apparent reason.
- Chest pain: Chest pain that may worsen with deep breathing, coughing, or movement may indicate a pulmonary embolism. The pain usually occurs on one side of the chest but may spread to other areas.
- Coughing up blood: Coughing up blood, called hemoptysis, can signify a pulmonary embolism. Blood can come from the lungs or bronchi and appear in the sputum.
- Rapid breathing (dyspnea): the patient may notice rapid breathing or a feeling that he cannot inhale enough air.
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia): The heart rate may increase due to reduced lung blood flow.
- Sweating: A sudden feeling of heat or increased sweating may accompany a pulmonary embolism.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: a pulmonary embolism can sometimes cause dizziness or even loss of consciousness.
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