- People with pulmonary embolus may have:
- a cough that begins suddenly, and may produce bloody sputum (mucus), significant amounts of visible blood or lightly blood streaked sputum (phlegm)
- sudden onset of shortness of breath at rest or with exertion
- lightheadedness
- fainting
- dizziness
- sweating
- anxiety
- rapid breathing
- rapid heart rate
- chest pain:
- under the breastbone or on one side
- sharp, stabbing, burning, aching or dull, heavy sensation
- may be worse at night
- may radiate to the shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, or other area
- may be worsened by breathing deeply, coughing, eating, bending or stooping
If you have these symptoms, or if you think you have pulmonary embolism, see your doctor right away. Your symptoms could be caused by pulmonary embolism, or they could be caused by another disease; only a doctor can tell.
