What Is Air Embolism: Causes And Symptoms

By: EjazUlHaqBhat

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Air embolism, also called a gas embolism, occurs when one or more air bubbles enter a vein or artery and block it

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This is a potentially serious condition. When an air bubble enters a vein, it's called a venous air embolism

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When an air bubble enters an artery, it's called an arterial air embolism. Air embolisms are rather rare

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These air bubbles can travel to your brain, heart, or lungs and cause a heart attack, stroke, or respiratory failure

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An air embolism can occur when your veins or arteries are exposed and pressure allows air to travel into them

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It can happen due to lung trauma, injection, surgical procedures, scuba diving

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A minor air embolism may cause very mild symptoms, or none at all

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Severe air embolism symptoms may include difficulty in breathing or respiratory failure, chest pain, muscle or joint pains, and blue skin hue

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