Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that gets to the lung and limits blood inflow.

It's a serious medical condition that can be life- hanging . The main aim of treatment for PE is to avert the clot from growing larger and to avert new clots from forming. This can be done with medicines, procedures, or surgery.

Anticoagulant Medications

Anticoagulants are known as blood thinners. They are the most common treatment for PE. They include:

Heparin:

Heparin is a fast- acting anticoagulant that's given intravenously( into a vein). It's frequently used for the earliest treatment of PE until another anticoagulant drug, similar as warfarin, can take effect.

Warfarin:

Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant that's taken by mouth once a day. It's generally used for long- term treatment of PE.

Dabigatran (Pradaxa):

Dabigatran is an oral anticoagulant that is taken twice a day. It is an alternative to warfarin that does not require blood monitoring.

Rivaroxaban (Xarelto):

Rivaroxaban is an oral anticoagulant that is taken once a day. It is an alternative to warfarin that does not require blood monitoring.

Apixaban (Eliquis):

Apixaban is an oral anticoagulant that is taken twice a day. It is an alternative to warfarin that does not require blood monitoring. Use the coupon for Eliquis to get your prescription at a cheaper rate.

Pros of anticoagulant medications:

Anticoagulant are effective in averting new blood clots from forming.

They're fairly affordable and easy to take. They can be administered at home.

The Cons of anticoagulant medications:

Anticoagulants can increase the threat of bleeding.

Some anticoagulants similar as warfarin, warrant regular blood monitoring to guarantee that they're working appropriately.

They can interact with other drugs, so it's important to tell your doctor about all of the medicines you're taking ahead starting an anticoagulant drug.

Clot-Dissolving Procedures

Clot- dissolving procedures, which is also known as thrombolytic antidote, can be used to treat PE in some cases. These procedures involve drug injection into the bloodstream. This injection helps to dissolves the blood clot. The most common clot-dissolving medication used to treat PE is alteplase (tPA).

Pros of clot-dissolving procedures:

Clot-dissolving procedures can quickly dissolve the blood clot and restore blood flow to the lung.

They can be life-saving in people with severe PE.

Cons of clot-dissolving procedures:

Clot- dissolving procedures can increase the threat of serious bleeding, including bleeding into the brain.

They should only be used in people who meet specific criteria, similar as those with severe PE or those who aren't eligible for anticoagulant drugs.

Surgical Interventions

Surgical interventions could be necessary for people with severe PE or those who does not respond to other treatments. The surgical intervention that is most common for PE is pulmonary embolectomy. This procedure involves the removal of the blood clot from the lung.

Pros of surgical interventions:

Surgical interventions is an effective option in removing the blood clot and restoring blood inflow to the lung.

As it is, they may be the only option for people with living with severe PE or those who don't respond to other treatments.

Cons of surgical interventions:

Surgical interventions are invasive and carry a threat of complications, similar to bleeding, infection, and damage to the lung.

They warrant hospitalization and recovery time.

Choosing the Right Treatment Option

The treatment option for PE depends on a number of criteria, including the severity of the PE, the general health, and the presence of any other medical diseases.

Mild PE

People with mild PE may be treated with anticoagulant medications alone.

Moderate to severe PE

People with moderate to severe PE may be treated with anticoagulant medications and/or clot-dissolving procedures.

Severe PE

People with severe PE may require surgical intervention.

Special considerations

Pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions, eg; bleeding, may bear special consideration when choosing a treatment option for PE.

Conclusion

Treatment options for PE have improved with much significance over time. When diagnosed early, the probability of full recovery is high after treatment.