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Home > Medical Malpractice > ER Negligence > Misdiagnosed Pulmonary Embolism

ER Negligence Malpractice | Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blockage occurs in an artery in the lung. While this blockage could be due to an air bubble, fat cells or even tumor cells, the most common cause of this blockage is blood clots from other parts of the body, most often the legs or pelvic area. Also called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), these blood clots sometimes break free and travel up until it gets to a point where the vessels are too narrow for it to pass. Most oftentimes, this occurs in the pulmonary artery. When this blockage occurs, the lungs continue to be supplied with air, but not with blood. This can lead to acute respiratory distress and even death.

Pulmonary embolism is the leading cause of accidental death for hospitalized patients. According to statistics, over 200,000 deaths occur annually in the United States because of pulmonary embolism. Some other important statistics:

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is the most common cause of pulmonary embolism
  • Approximately 1 in 20 people will develop DVT during their lifetime
  • About 60,000 people in the US will be admitted to the hospital because of DVT this year alone

Symptoms Of Pulmonary Embolism

Depending on your overall health, the size of the clot, and the area of the lung affected, the symptoms can vary greatly. Some of the symptoms include

  • Sudden shortness of breath, even in the absence of raised physical activity
  • Chest pain very similar to a heart attack: pain in the chest region that may radiate down through the shoulder, arm or even neck and jaw. The pain may be sharp and stabbing or dull and throbbing
  • Pleurisy: worsening pain when you cough or stoop. Pain that worsens with physical activity, but doesn't go completely away at rest
  • Cough with blood in your sputum
  • Tachycardia: rapid heartbeat
  • Wheezing, shortness of breath
  • Swollen legs, especially in the calf area. Legs could be hot to the touch.
  • Light headedness
  • Fever
  • Cold sweats
  • Clammy skin, or skin that takes on a bluish tint

Risk factors that may make you susceptible to a pulmonary embolism

  • Prolonged periods of inactivity (plane or train rides), or bed rest
  • Preexisting blood disorder that affects the blood's ability to clot
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Surgery
  • Massive trauma, burns, stroke, heart attack
  • Hip fractures

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The Missouri Injury Attorneys of Millikan Wright LLC focus serving the needs of the greater St. Louis Metropolitan area. On the Missouri side, our lawyers represent people injured in St. Louis city, St. Louis county, Jefferson county, Franklin county, St. Charles county, and Lincoln county. On the Illinois side, our attorneys represent people hurt in Madison county, St. Clair county and Monroe county.