Pulmonary Embolism: Therapy and Course

Pulmonary embolism must always be treated in the hospital. The first step in the treatment of pulmonary embolism: the patient must first remain on bed rest. As a basic measure of therapy, the physician administers painkillers and sedatives as well as oxygen, and possibly also substances that stabilize the circulation.

Treatment with medications

He injects heparin – a drug that prevents the clot from growing further – and continues to give it as an infusion over several days. In parallel, pulmonary embolism therapy is started with anticoagulant tablets, which must be taken for six to 12 months or for life, depending on risk factors.

Treatment by mechanical intervention

Smaller clots can be dissolved by the body itself, but larger ones may require artificial intervention. For this purpose, either drugs administered as infusions (so-called fibrinolytics) are available or the clogged vessel is made pervious again with an inserted catheter.

In rare, severe cases of pulmonary embolism, there is also the option of attempting to surgically remove the clot in an operation.

What is the course of pulmonary embolism?

Pulmonary embolism is a dangerous disease – even with timely diagnosis and treatment, the mortality rate is still up to ten percent. Especially in the first two hours, the risk of death is very high. If the affected person survives, the body’s own system can usually break down the blood clots within a month and no damage remains.

However, about one third of patients experience a recurrence, i.e., renewed venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Therefore, preventive medication must be taken as described above.

Measures to prevent pulmonary embolism.

In certain cases, a wire mesh (kava screen) can also be inserted into the portal vein to intercept clots in the bloodstream before they reach the lungs.

In many cases, regular wearing of compression stockings is advisable, which should be prescribed by a doctor and fitted precisely.

Before long flights (especially those lasting more than six hours), it should be discussed with the patient’s physician whether preventive administration of heparin, for example, is advisable. In addition, the affected person should drink sufficient fluids (no alcohol!) and move his legs and feet a lot. Suitable gymnastic exercises can also be shown by the family doctor.