What is a pulmonary embolism?

A pulmonary embolism is defined as a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, most commonly caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body (known as deep vein thrombosis). This blockage disrupts the normal flow of blood to lung tissue, leading to serious complications, including decreased oxygen levels in the blood, lung tissue damage, and in severe cases, death. The significance of this condition arises from its acute nature and the rapid onset of symptoms which can include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood.

Conversely, other listed options describe different respiratory conditions. Fluid accumulation in the lungs refers to pulmonary edema, which can be caused by heart failure, whereas a tear in lung tissue may relate to conditions like a pneumothorax. An infection in the lungs points to pneumonia, which involves inflammation due to pathogens. Each of these conditions presents unique clinical implications and management strategies, distinguishing them from the critical condition of a pulmonary embolism.