There are a number of medical conditions that pose such a threat that medical researchers have studied them extensively. As a result, many of these conditions can be effectively treated, sometimes even completely remedied, which, in some cases, can save an individual’s life.
One of these conditions is pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when one of the arteries in one’s lungs is blocked, oftentimes by a blood clot. Usually these blog clots travel to the lungs from the legs. As the blood flow to the lung may be slowed or stopped due to a pulmonary embolism, the lung disuse may die, making it difficult to circulate oxygen to the rest of an individual’s body. This, in turn, can prove fatal.
Fortunately, there are symptoms of pulmonary embolism. These symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, a bloody cough, leg pain, fever and dizziness. Doctors should be able to identify these symptoms and cross-reference them with a patient’s risk factors. Such factors include surgery, pregnancy, a history of smoking and heart disease.
Once the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism are identified, a medical professional should take the proper steps to ensure the matter is addressed, as timely medical attention can save a patient’s life. Blood tests, x-rays, an ultrasound, a CT scan and an MRI can all detect a pulmonary embolism. Then, a doctor should administer blood thinners, clot dissolvers or engage in removal of the clot to prevent the embolism from proving fatal.
Unfortunately, although this condition is treatable when detected in a timely fashion, too many medical professionals fail in their duty to properly identify and remedy it. When a doctor’s negligence leaves an individual seriously injured or dead, victims and/or their families may want to consider pursuing a medical malpractice or a wrongful death lawsuit in hopes of recovering compensation for their losses.
