A blood clot in the lung while you recover from a crash
What a hematologist and a respiratory specialist want you to know about pulmonary embolism
Injuries, surgery and moving less can all raise your risk of a blood clot while you recover from a crash. A pulmonary embolism is a clot that blocks blood flow in the lung. Symptoms may come on suddenly or build over time. [1]
You may feel short of breath or have pain when you breathe deeply. Other signs are a fast heartbeat, coughing up blood or feeling faint. Since other crash injuries can cause the same symptoms, you need an exam and tests to sort it out. [1]
What to do if a clot is possible
Get emergency care for sudden shortness of breath, severe chest pain, fainting or coughing up blood. Tell the team about recent broken bones, surgeries and limited movement. Mention any medicine you take to prevent clots. Don’t drive yourself if you feel faint or very short of breath. A doctor may use a chest scan and other tests to diagnose a pulmonary embolism. [1]
Get the details of your treatment
If a clot is confirmed, treatment often includes a blood thinner, called an anticoagulant. Ask for the exact dose, schedule and review date. Find out what to do if you miss a dose. How long you take it depends on the cause and your risk of bleeding. [1, 2]
Let everyone who treats you know you take it. That includes your dentist. Do not stop it because your breathing feels better. Ask which medicines or activities raise your bleeding risk. [1, 2]
Track your recovery as well as your medicine
Ask when your breathing should get better. Find out who will recheck symptoms that linger or get worse. Keep your follow up appointment even if you feel better. Get urgent care for new, severe trouble breathing or serious bleeding. [1, 2]
You may also have an injury that hasn’t healed yet. If so, ask your trauma team and your clot team to agree on one plan for activity and medicine. [1, 2]
Questions for your clot care team
- Which test confirmed the clot, and was my heart affected?
- Which blood thinner am I taking, and when will it be reviewed?
- Who should I call about shortness of breath or bleeding?
Carry your blood thinner details
Save the name and dose of your blood thinner in your phone, along with an emergency contact. If you were given a medicine information card, carry it with you. [2]
Sources and further reading
- 1National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute pulmonary embolism
- 2National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute venous thromboembolism treatment
This article shares general information from hematology and respiratory care. Sudden, severe trouble breathing or fainting is an emergency. Never change your blood thinner unless your care team tells you to.
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