Symptoms and Complications
The symptoms of pulmonary embolism can be mild or severe. Some people
have many small emboli that can only be detected by special X-ray techniques.
A serious blockage, however, can lead to severe breathing difficulty or death.
Symptoms of pulmonary embolism appear suddenly and include:
- shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or wheezing
- bloody sputum
- cough
- lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
- sharp chest pain or back pain