How to Fix Pulmonary Embolism and Recover Safely

A sudden stabbing chest pain, breathlessness or dizziness on a long-haul flight should never be ignored. While it may feel like anxiety or indigestion, it could be a pulmonary embolism, a serious blood clot in the lungs that needs urgent medical care. Knowing the signs, causes and prevention steps can help you act fast.

Spot the Signs & Act Fast

A pulmonary embolism can feel like other health issues, so act quickly if symptoms appear. Watch for sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pain when breathing, rapid heartbeat, coughing blood, dizziness, fainting, or leg swelling, redness and pain.

In Australia, call 000 immediately. Do not drive yourself; ambulance care can begin on the way. If you’re elsewhere, call your local emergency number (e.g., 911 in the United States). Early recognition saves lives.

In Australia, venous thromboembolism, the medical term for blood clots such as DVT and pulmonary embolism, affects at least 17,000 people each year. That is why sudden chest pain, breathlessness or leg swelling should never be brushed off, especially after surgery, pregnancy, long travel or long periods of sitting.

What is a Pulmonary Embolism?

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries that carry blood from your heart to your lungs. 

In most cases, the blockage is a blood clot that started in a deep vein, often in the leg (a deep vein thrombosis or DVT) and broke loose, travelling through the bloodstream until it became lodged in the lungs. 

This obstruction prevents oxygenated blood from reaching the rest of the body. Because of the pressure it places on the right side of the heart, a large PE can cause sudden death if not treated promptly.

Why Does It Happen? (Causes & Risk Factors)

Understanding why clots form helps you take steps to reduce your risk. The primary cause of a PE is a DVT, and several factors make DVTs more likely:

• Surgery or hospital stays: After major operations especially hip or knee surgery or prolonged bed rest, blood can pool in the legs, increasing clot risk.
• Trauma: Bone fractures or injuries can damage blood vessels and trigger clotting.
• Pregnancy & postpartum: Hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus slow leg circulation. Risk remains high for six weeks after delivery.
• Hormone therapies: Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy can increase clotting tendency.
• Inherited clotting disorders: Conditions like Factor V Leiden or antiphospholipid syndrome make the blood more prone to clotting.
• Cancer and chemotherapy: Cancer cells and treatments raise clot risk.
• Heart failure or atrial fibrillation: These cardiovascular problems slow blood flow.
• Lifestyle factors: Long periods of sitting (desk work or flying), obesity and smoking contribute to DVT and PE. Varicose veins may also lead to sluggish circulation and discomfort, learn more in our guide: How to prevent varicose veins.

How Doctors Diagnose a Pulmonary Embolism?

Because PE symptoms overlap with heart attacks, pneumonia and anxiety, doctors use several tests to confirm the diagnosis:

1. Clinical assessment: Your doctor will ask about symptoms and risk factors and check your pulse, blood pressure and oxygen levels.
2. Blood tests: A D‑dimer test measures a protein fragment produced when a clot dissolves. High levels suggest clotting and prompt further testing.
3. Imaging:
• Ultrasound of the legs to look for a DVT.
• Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA), which uses dye and CT scans to detect clots in the lungs.
• Ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan, which compares air and blood flow in the lungs to identify mismatched areas caused by clots.
4. Other tests: Chest X‑rays and electrocardiograms help rule out other causes.

These tests allow clinicians to confirm the diagnosis and decide on the appropriate treatment rapidly.

Medical Treatments: Fixing the Clot

Once a pulmonary embolism is diagnosed, treatment aims to stop the clot growing, prevent new clots, and in serious cases, dissolve or remove the clot.

Anticoagulants

Blood thinners are usually the first treatment. They do not break down the clot directly, your body does that over time. Their job is to stop the clot getting bigger and reduce the risk of new clots. Many people take them for at least three months, sometimes longer depending on their risk.

Thrombolytics

For severe or life-threatening PE, doctors may use clot-busting medicines through an IV or catheter. These work faster but can increase bleeding risk, so they are only used when urgently needed.

Clot Removal Procedures

If medicine is not enough or cannot be used, doctors may remove the clot using a catheter procedure or, rarely, open surgery.

IVC Filters

If blood thinners are unsafe, a doctor may place a temporary IVC filter to catch clots before they reach the lungs.

Recovery & Life After a PE

Recovering from a pulmonary embolism takes time. While some people feel better within weeks, others may take months to regain their strength. Doctors monitor blood clot markers and adjust medication doses. People often remain on anticoagulants for three months or longer. 

Prevention: Keeping Future Clots Away

Preventing another PE involves addressing risk factors and adopting healthy habits:

• Move regularly: Avoid sitting or standing still for long periods. On flights or car trips, get up every hour to stretch, do calf raises or ankle circles. If you’re immobile after surgery or illness, ask your healthcare team about foot exercises and assisted mobility.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps keep blood flowing smoothly. Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.
• Wear compression stockings: Graduated compression stockings squeeze the legs gently, increasing blood flow and reducing the chance of blood pooling. They are especially useful during travel, after surgery or pregnancy, or if you have varicose veins or “heavy legs.” You can learn more about selecting the right pair in our article: What Do Compression Stockings Do?.
• Avoid smoking and maintain a healthy weight: Smoking and obesity increase clot risk. Seek support to quit smoking and adopt a balanced diet and regular exercise routine.
• Take prescribed medicine: If your doctor recommends long‑term anticoagulants or low‑dose aspirin, take them consistently.

Conclusion

A pulmonary embolism cannot be fixed at home. It needs urgent hospital treatment, such as blood thinners, clot-busting medicine or clot removal procedures. Recovery can take time, but you can lower future clot risk by staying active, drinking enough water, avoiding long sitting periods and wearing properly fitted compression stockings when advised.

For trusted compression support, Compression Stockings Online can help you choose the right stockings for travel, recovery and everyday circulation needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you fix a pulmonary embolism?

There is no home remedy for a pulmonary embolism. Doctors treat it in the hospital using anticoagulant drugs to prevent the clot from growing and new clots from forming. Severe cases may require clot‑busting medication or surgery. Immediate medical care is essential.

Can a pulmonary embolism go away on its own?

Your body gradually breaks down clots over weeks to months, but without treatment, a pulmonary embolism can be fatal. Anticoagulant therapy gives your body time to dissolve the clot safely and prevents new clots.

Do compression socks help prevent pulmonary embolism?

Compression socks promote venous return from the legs and reduce the risk of DVT. By preventing DVTs, they indirectly lower the chance of a pulmonary embolism. They do not treat an existing PE and should be used under medical guidance.

Can exercise dissolve a pulmonary embolism?

Exercise cannot dissolve a clot in the lungs. However, gentle movement after treatment helps prevent new clots from forming and supports recovery. Only resume exercise when your doctor says it is safe.

Can varicose veins cause pulmonary embolism?

Varicose veins themselves don’t cause PE, but they slow blood flow and may increase the risk of developing DVTs, which can lead to PE. Managing varicose veins and wearing compression stockings can improve circulation.