Pulmonary embolism is a potentially life-threatening condition that can strike suddenly. In fact, there are 100,000 cases of PE in the U.S. each year. Because the symptoms can be similar to many other conditions, people may not recognize it or seek treatment. That can be disastrous since one-third of people with undiagnosed and untreated pulmonary embolisms do not survive. Some women have suffered from Nuvaring and pulmonary embolism blood clots in the lungs which can be potentially life-threatening.
The veins and arteries carry blood throughout the body. If an object forms in the bloodstream, it can travel back to the lungs and creates a blockage. The lungs cannot get blood, and that lack of blood and oxygen causes serious damage to the cells in the lungs.
PE can be caused by tissue, fat or air bubbles in the bloodstream, but the most prevalent cause of a PE caused by Nuvaring or other hormone-based birth control is a blood clot. Blood clots may form in the lower extremities, although some may form in the heart as well.
Blood clots are more likely to form in older people, but can occur in anyone. Those with heart malfunctions or recent surgery have a higher risk.
Blood clots are may form in healthy people as a result of inactivity, such as in a long plane ride. They may form in pregnant women as the weight of the baby on the pelvis can slow down the flow of blood, making it more likely to clot. Those who are dehydrated may develop clots because the blood has thickened.
It can also occur in those who use estrogen medications. Women who use NuvaRing contraceptives have had a higher incidence of blood clots and pulmonary embolisms because of the way the birth control medicine affects clotting.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
When a blood clot has not yet reached the lungs, a person may not even be aware of any symptoms. However, she may notice warmth, pain or swelling in the area of the clot, which typically occurs in the upper or lower leg. The limb may also feel heavier or look paler than the other.
If the clot reaches the lungs, a person may notice sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that does not go away with rest, wheezing, fast heartbeat, or begin coughing blood. Once the clot has reached the lungs, it is essential to get medical attention immediately.
Once PE is diagnosed, the physician will determine what type of medicine to administer. Blood clots typically dissolve on their own. If the clot has not reached the lungs, doctors may give medicines to keep the clot from getting bigger and to keep it from traveling to the lungs. If the clot is already in the lungs, the patient may be given a strong type of medication called a thrombolytic, which can dissolve the clot, but may also cause severe bleeding, and is only used in a life-threatening situation. Doctors may also try to extract a clot using a catheter inserted into the area.
If you have concerns about pulmonary embolism, contact your doctor to discuss how your history, health and lifestyle may affect your risk factors. If you have used the NuvaRing contraceptive and have had any symptoms of pulmonary embolism, contact your doctor immediately.
Author Resource:
Mark Johnson is author of this article on Nuvaring Lawyer .
Find more information about Nuvaring Lawsuit here.
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