Air embolism (patient information)
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Air embolism |
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Air embolismOn the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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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
When to seek urgent medical care?
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number if you suspect you have an air embolism.
- It is a Medical Emergency
Treatment options
- The main therapy for air embolism is high flow oxygen therapy.
- If air lodges in the heart, aspiration of air is a treatment option.
Where to find medical care for Air embolism
Medical care for an air embolism can be found at your nearest emergency department.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Air embolism is a Medical Emergency and should be treated immediately. With immediate and rapid treatment, patients can expect full recovery.
Possible complications
There are a variety of complications that can occur depending on the location of the air embolism:
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Bowel necrosis
- Liver failure
- Lung dysfunction