The signs and symptoms of PE include the following:
- Pain in the chest or upper back
- Difficulty in breathing
- Coughing up blood
Pulmonary Embolism is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) lodges itself in a blood vessel in the lung. A PE usually starts as a clot in the deep veins (also known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT) in the leg that has broken away and flowed to the lungs. This can be a life-threatening condition if not treated quickly.
The signs and symptoms of PE include the following:
While it is not always possible to identify a reason, several factors may increase the risk of having PE:
The recommended treatment is an anticoagulant which is a medication which will thin the blood and prevent the clot from getting bigger. The blood clot will naturally dissolve in your body over time.
In life-threatening cases, a treatment to dissolve the blood clot (called thrombolysis) may be used before the anticoagulant is started.
While anticoagulant medication is effective for treating PE, it is associated with increased bleeding risks and side effects. You should seek medical attention if you develop:
Recovery from PE varies; it can take several months to return to your previous level of fitness. You may still experience symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness and fatigue for weeks or months after a PE. If your symptoms do not improve over time, further tests may be required to determine the cause. In rare cases, pulmonary hypertension (a type of high blood pressure) may develop in the lungs and will require a specialist’s input to manage this.
The duration varies from person to person, ranging from three months to a lifetime. This depends on several factors which our doctor will discuss with you during your appointment.
Visit your nearest hospital emergency department if you experience worsening chest pain or breathlessness.
You may be able to return to work within weeks, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the nature of your work. Our doctor will advise you on when it is suitable to return to work.
The likelihood of developing another PE differs between patients. Our doctor will inform you if any additional tests are required and provide further advice to reduce your risk of recurrent PE. This may include a plan to continue anticoagulation if there is a high risk of recurrence.
It is advisable to avoid vigorous exercise after a PE or any activities that will increase your risk of bleeding while you are on an anticoagulant. If you feel well enough, you should resume daily activities, such as walking. Bed rest may not be necessary. If you feel breathless or unwell during an activity, get ample rest until you feel recovered. You can start to increase your activities when your symptoms have settled.
You can contact us at Clinic For Clinical Haematology (CFCH) to find out more about PE or our Anticoagulant treatment.
The information on the Centre For Clinical Haematology website is intended for educational use. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health professional.
We partner with major insurance providers in Singapore to streamline the financial process, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your recovery. Contact our team for more information and support.
The CFCH team is committed to providing patient-centred care and comprehensive multidisciplinary support through every stage of your journey with us.
During your initial consultation, you'll meet our doctors who will listen to your concerns and begin your evaluation and recommend the necessary investigations required.
After diagnosis, we will plan your care, tailoring treatment options to your unique needs for the optimal outcome.
Throughout your treatment journey, we will provide a supportive environment to closely monitor your progress, ensuring your comfort and adjusting care as needed.
After treatment, we will continue to support you with a holistic approach to your recovery, to ensure that both your physical and mental wellbeing are looked after.
