A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot forms in another part of the body, usually in one of the arms or legs, and dislodges and is then carried to the lungs through the pulmonary artery.

The pulmonary artery supplies blood to the lungs. When a blood clot is lodged in the pulmonary artery, it blocks it, preventing oxygen from reaching the lung tissues. This lack of oxygen may be life threatening or lead to other serious health consequences if the pulmonary embolism is not diagnosed and treated promptly.

How Do You Get a Pulmonary Embolism?

According to the Mayo Clinic, pulmonary embolism causes may include a variety of genetic and environmental risk factors. There are several risk factors that may increase your likelihood of experiencing a pulmonary embolism, including age, a history of blood clots, or conditions or medications that increase your risk of blood clots.

Additional pulmonary embolism causes may include:

• Long periods of inactivity or bed rest
• Damaged blood vessels due to injuries or surgeries.
• Conditions including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or obesity
• Pregnancy
• Taking estrogen supplements
• Smoking or using other tobacco products
• Taking medications that may increase the risk of blood clots, such as Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR

How Do You Avoid a Pulmonary Embolism?

There are several ways that you may be able to reduce your risk of experiencing a pulmonary embolism. Compression methods including compression sleeves, stockings, or boots may reduce blood pooling and the formation of blood clots in the arms and legs.

Physical activity and regular exercise also help to reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding tobacco products are also recommended.

Talking to your doctor and avoiding medications that may increase the likelihood of experiencing a pulmonary embolism may also reduce your risk. Many common medications have side effects including an increased risk of blood clots. The FDA has warned that Xeljanz and Xeljanz XR, medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis, are associated with an increased risk of pulmonary embolism.

How Common are Pulmonary Embolisms?

Pulmonary embolism is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases in the United States, affecting around 1 in every 1,000 people every year. Although around 30 percent of people who have untreated pulmonary embolism die from the condition, if it is diagnosed and treated quickly, there is a high rate of recovery.

What are the Symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism?

Pulmonary embolism causes many symptoms that people who are at increased of experiencing the condition may want to be aware of. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism may include sharp, stabbing pains in the chest, increased or irregular heartbeat, difficulty catching your breath, leg pain or swelling, a dry cough, fever, sweating, or dizziness.

How Do You Treat Pulmonary Embolism?

The first step in pulmonary embolism treatment is generally to provide oxygen therapy and treat shock, which the body may go into during the embolism. Anticoagulant medications, or blood thinners, are generally also prescribed.

In some cases, drugs that break up blood clots may also be administered to patients. These medications usually need to be taken on a regular basis for several months following the pulmonary embolism in order to prevent more clots from forming.

Victims who have experienced a pulmonary embolism due to side effects of medications or drugs including Xeljanz or Xeljanz XR may be able to hire an attorney and file a lawsuit against the drug manufacturer.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented 
for informational purposes only.