Air embolism (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Air embolism is suspected in patients with a history of : | |||
*High risk procedures | |||
*Scuba Diving | |||
*Trauma | |||
*Hemodialysis | |||
*Mechanical Ventilation | |||
There is no one test for air embolism, but certain labs and procedures can help point to a diagnosis: | |||
*Blood gas levels | |||
*Echocardiography | |||
*Ultrasound | |||
*EKG | |||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== |
Revision as of 22:05, 22 October 2018
Air embolism |
Air embolismOn the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Overview
Air embolism is a rare but fatal complication of certain surgical procedures and can occur during deep sea diving.
What are the symptoms of Air embolism?
- Symptoms of air embolism include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Disorientation
- Seizures
- Dizziness/Vertigo
- Nausea
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Weakness
What causes Air embolism?
- Entrapment of an air bubble in a blood vessel can impede blood flow to and from an organ and cause dysfunction.
- For example and air bubble impeding blood flow to the brain can cause seizures, headache and a variety of other symptoms
Who is at highest risk?
Air embolism is mostly a complication of certain medical procedures:
- Head/Neck Surgery
- Abdominal Surgery
- Venous catheters
- Hemodialysis
- Contrast Studies
- Mechanical Ventilation
- Endoscopy
- Gynecological Surgery
- Lung Biopsy
Other Risk Factors include:
- Deep sea diving
- Blunt chest trauma
Diagnosis
Air embolism is suspected in patients with a history of :
- High risk procedures
- Scuba Diving
- Trauma
- Hemodialysis
- Mechanical Ventilation
There is no one test for air embolism, but certain labs and procedures can help point to a diagnosis:
- Blood gas levels
- Echocardiography
- Ultrasound
- EKG