Best Pulmonary Embolism Doctors in Mysore

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is a severe medical condition that occurs when a blood clot, usually originating from the leg, blocks one or more arteries in the lungs. This blockage can severely reduce blood flow, leading to damaging complications and potentially fatal outcomes if left untreated. The primary cause of PE is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the leg. Factors such as prolonged immobility, genetic predisposition, cancer, major surgery, trauma, pregnancy, obesity, and smoking can heighten the risk of developing DVT and consequently PE.

Apollo Hospitals Mysore is home to some of the best doctors for pulmonary embolism treatment who employ state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and provide advanced treatment solutions.

Types/Stages of Pulmonary Embolism

Pulmonary Embolism has several stages based on the severity of the blockage and related conditions:

• Acute Pulmonary Embolism: Characterised by a sudden blockage in the lung arteries, often triggered by DVT.

• Chronic Pulmonary Embolism: Characterised by a gradual blockage in the lung arteries due to repeated episodes of DVT or other health conditions.

• Subsegmental Pulmonary Embolism: Characterised by blockage in small branches of pulmonary arteries due to DVT or other health conditions.

• Pulmonary Infarction: Characterised by lung tissue death due to blockage in the pulmonary arteries.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

The symptoms of PE can vary based on its severity and can include:

• Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing, even when at rest.

• Chest pain: Sharp or aching pain in the chest, often worsening with deep breaths or coughing.

• Coughing: Coughing up blood or frothy sputum.

• Fever: High body temperature often accompanied by chills.

• Lightheadedness or dizziness: Feeling faint or dizzy, often accompanied by shortness of breath.

Tests to Diagnose Pulmonary Embolism

Various tests might be conducted by pulmonologists to diagnose pulmonary embolism:

• Pulmonary angiography: An imaging procedure that visualises the pulmonary arteries.

• Chest X-ray: To rule out other conditions that could explain the symptoms.

• Computerised Tomography (CT) scan: Uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the lungs.

• Ultrasound: Mostly used to detect blood clots in the leg which can lead to PE.

• D-dimer test: Measures a substance in the blood that's released when a clot breaks up.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Pulmonary Embolism at Apollo Hospitals Mysore

Apollo Hospitals Mysore offers advanced treatment options for PE:

• Anticoagulation therapy: Medications like warfarin or heparin are used to prevent further clot formation.

• Thrombolytic therapy: Medications such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) are used to dissolve existing blood clots.

• Surgical embolectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the blood clot from the pulmonary arteries.

• Pulmonary angioplasty: A surgical procedure to widen pulmonary arteries and improve blood flow.

• Intra-arterial therapy: Intra-arterial perfusion and embolism of bronchial arteries to improve treatment outcomes in advanced pulmonary carcinoma patients.