What is a pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism is defined as a sudden blockage of a major blood vessel in the lung, typically caused by blood clots that travel to the lung from the legs or other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis). This blockage can prevent blood from reaching parts of the lung, leading to decreased oxygen supply to the body and potential damage to lung tissue.

The occurrence of a pulmonary embolism can manifest with symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and coughing up blood. Early identification and treatment are crucial, as this condition can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

The other options describe different conditions: chronic airway narrowing refers to asthma or COPD, inflammation of lung tissue due to infection pertains to pneumonia, and a type of asthma attack relates to an acute episode of bronchospasm. Each of these options describes distinct respiratory issues that do not correspond to the acute nature and physiological implications of a pulmonary embolism.