What are the symptoms and treatment methods of pulmonary embolism?

In general, symptoms of pulmonary embolism include cough, fever, chest pain, dyspnea (shortness of breath), hemoptysis (coughing up blood), etc. Treatment methods typically include daily care, physical therapy, anticoagulant medications, thrombolytic drugs, and surgery. Specific treatment plans should be developed based on the patient's individual condition and the doctor’s recommendations. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Symptoms

1. Cough
Cough is one of the symptoms caused by pulmonary embolism. It is usually a dry cough, milder during the day but worsening at night. Sometimes, small amounts of white sputum may accompany the cough.

2. Fever
Pulmonary embolism may cause local pleural edema and inflammatory exudation, leading to fever in some patients, typically low-grade fever.

3. Chest Pain
After developing pulmonary embolism, patients may also experience chest pain, which often worsens with activity and improves at rest.

4. Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath)
Pulmonary embolism may result from endothelial injury or endothelial dysfunction. It reduces pulmonary blood flow, obstructs circulation, increases right atrial pressure, causes right-to-left shunting within the heart, and leads to increased alveolar interstitial fluid. This reduces effective ventilation area, resulting in shortness of breath.

5. Hemoptysis (Coughing Up Blood)
Pulmonary embolism can cause excessive engorgement of pulmonary vessels and increased intravascular pressure, leading to rupture of capillaries in the alveolar walls and subsequent hemoptysis.

II. Treatment Methods

1. Daily Care
In daily life, it is recommended to take protective measures, such as avoiding inhalation of dust, pollen, and other irritants, to prevent symptom exacerbation and interference with recovery.

2. Physical Therapy
For patients experiencing fever, body wiping with a towel may help reduce body temperature and support recovery.

3. Anticoagulant Medications
Commonly used anticoagulants for pulmonary embolism include heparin sodium injection, warfarin sodium tablets, and dicoumarol tablets. When used according to medical guidance, these medications help prevent further clot formation and recurrence, thereby aiding recovery from pulmonary embolism.

4. Thrombolytic Agents
For patients with pulmonary embolism, thrombolytic therapy may be administered under a physician’s supervision to dissolve clots, reopen blocked vessels, and restore blood flow. Commonly used drugs include recombinant streptokinase for injection, urokinase for injection, and batroxobin injection.

5. Thrombus Removal
This approach is suitable for patients who cannot undergo thrombolytic therapy or in whom thrombolysis has failed. Thrombus removal can be achieved through surgical or interventional procedures, such as embolectomy or bronchoscopic intraluminal interventions.

Patients should maintain healthy lifestyle habits in daily life, avoid overexertion, and ensure a proper balance between work and rest.