A pulmonary embolism is a serious condition characterized by the sudden blockage of a pulmonary artery or one of its branches by a blood clot, usually originating from a deep vein in the lower limbs, called a thrombus. 

 

This clot can break off and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, where it can block blood flow to part of the lung. This can lead to symptoms such as sudden and severe chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, coughing up blood, and in the most severe cases, shock or cardiac arrest.

 

Risk factors for pulmonary embolism include prolonged immobility, surgery, bone fractures, cancer, pregnancy, hormonal contraceptive use, smoking, obesity, a family history of blood clots, heart disease, and hematological diseases.

 

​In the most severe cases, the treatment of pulmonary embolism aims to dissolve the blood clot and in all cases to prevent the formation of new clots. It usually includes the use of blood thinners (also known as "blood thinners"), and sometimes thrombolytics (drugs to dissolve clots), or even surgical procedures in some severe cases. The prognosis depends on the size of the embolism, the extent of damage to the lungs, and how quickly treatment is given. Prompt medical intervention is often crucial to improve the chances of survival and reduce long-term complications.