Pulmonary Embolism Treatment Guide: What to Expect and How to Recover
This guide explains what a pulmonary embolism (PE) is, how it is treated, and what steps you can take to support your recovery after a diagnosis.
A pulmonary embolism is a serious blockage in the lung arteries, most often caused by a blood clot from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Treatment typically involves blood-thinning medications, and in severe cases, procedures to remove or dissolve the clot. Most people recover fully with prompt treatment, but follow-up care and lifestyle changes are critical to prevent future clots.
Overview
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a sudden blockage in one of the arteries that carry blood to your lungs. Most often, the blockage is a blood clot that traveled from a deep vein in your leg or arm (a condition called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) to the lungs. PE is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition, but prompt treatment greatly reduces the risk of complications.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of PE can vary depending on the size of the clot and how much of the lung is affected. Common signs include sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain that gets worse when you breathe in or cough, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, and coughing up blood. Some people also experience dizziness, fainting, or swelling, pain, or tenderness in the leg (usually the calf or thigh) if the clot originated from a DVT.
If you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. PE can be fatal if not treated right away.
Causes & Risk Factors
PE happens when a clot or other material (like fat from a broken bone, air bubbles, or part of a tumor) blocks a lung artery. The most common cause is a DVT clot that breaks loose and travels to the lungs. Risk factors for PE include: recent surgery or long periods of immobility (like long flights or bed rest), a history of blood clots, certain genetic clotting disorders, pregnancy, taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, smoking, obesity, and being over 60 years old.
Diagnosis
If your provider suspects PE, they will order tests to confirm the diagnosis. Common tests include a D-dimer blood test (which checks for clot fragments), a CT pulmonary angiogram (the most common test, which uses contrast dye and X-rays to see clots in lung arteries), a ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan (used if you can't have a CT scan), and an ultrasound of your legs to check for DVT.
Treatment & Management
| Treatment Type | Description | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants (blood thinners) | Medications that prevent new clots from forming and stop existing clots from growing; taken as pills or injections | First-line treatment for most uncomplicated PEs |
| Thrombolytics (clot dissolvers) | Strong medications that break down existing clots; given through an IV in a hospital | Severe, life-threatening PEs where there is a risk of heart damage |
| Surgical or catheter procedures | Procedures to remove the clot directly from the lung artery or break it up with a catheter | PEs that do not respond to medications or when thrombolytics are too risky |
| Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter | A small mesh device placed in the large vein that carries blood from the lower body to the heart to catch clots before they reach the lungs | People who cannot take blood thinners or have recurrent clots despite treatment |
Most people with PE need to take anticoagulant medications for at least 3 months, sometimes longer, depending on their risk factors for future clots. Your provider will monitor you closely for side effects, including bleeding, and may adjust your dose as needed.
Living With It
Recovery from PE takes time, and you may feel tired or short of breath for several weeks after starting treatment. It is important to follow your provider's instructions for medication, activity, and follow-up appointments to avoid complications and prevent future clots.
- Take your blood-thinning medication exactly as prescribed, and never skip a dose without talking to your provider first
- Wear compression stockings if your provider recommends them, especially if you have leg swelling or a history of DVT
- Gradually increase your activity level as advised by your provider—avoid strenuous exercise until you are cleared
- Stay hydrated, and avoid sitting or standing still for long periods; stretch and walk regularly if you travel long distances
Medical Review Team
WellAlly Medical Editorial Team
This content is not a replacement for professional medical advice.
Recovery & management timeline
1-3
Acute Diagnosis & Initial Treatment
Go to the emergency room immediately if you suspect PE. You will undergo diagnostic tests, and if PE is confirmed, you will start treatment (usually blood thinners or clot-dissolving medication) in the hospital. You will be monitored closely for complications like low oxygen levels or heart strain.
3-7
In-Hospital Stabilization
If your PE is stable, you may be able to go home once your provider confirms you are safe. You will get instructions for taking your medications at home, signs of complications to watch for, and a schedule for follow-up appointments.
1-4 weeks
At-Home Recovery
Continue taking your blood thinners as prescribed. Gradually increase light activity (like short walks) as tolerated. Avoid activities with a high risk of injury or bleeding, and watch for signs of bleeding (like unusual bruising, blood in urine or stool, or prolonged nosebleeds).
4-12 weeks
Long-Term Follow-Up
Attend all follow-up appointments with your provider, who may repeat imaging tests to check how the clot is healing. You may work with a physical therapist if you have ongoing leg swelling or shortness of breath. Discuss any long-term risk factors for clots with your provider to adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Self-care steps
1Take medications exactly as prescribed
Never skip or adjust your dose of blood thinners without talking to your provider first. Set a daily alarm or use a pill organizer to make sure you don't miss doses. If you experience any side effects like unusual bleeding, severe headaches, or rash, contact your provider right away.
2Reduce your risk of future clots
If you are at risk for DVT, wear compression stockings as recommended, stay active, and avoid long periods of sitting or standing. If you are traveling long distances, stretch your legs every 1-2 hours, walk around the cabin or car regularly, and stay hydrated.
3Manage underlying health conditions
Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can increase your risk of blood clots. Work with your provider to keep these conditions under control with medication, diet, and exercise.
4Quit smoking and limit alcohol
Smoking damages blood vessels and increases clotting risk. If you smoke, ask your provider about resources to help you quit. Limit alcohol intake, as it can interact with blood-thinning medications.
5Monitor for warning signs
Keep track of any new or worsening symptoms, including increased shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, or coughing up blood. Contact your provider immediately if you notice these signs.
When to seek medical help
Seek emergency medical care right away if you experience any of the following: sudden, severe shortness of breath; sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing; coughing up blood; rapid or irregular heartbeat; dizziness, fainting, or confusion; or severe leg pain, swelling, or redness, especially in the calf or thigh. These can be signs of a new or worsening PE or DVT.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need to take blood thinners after a PE?
Can I exercise after a pulmonary embolism?
Will I have long-term complications from PE?
Can PE come back?
Sources
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- 4NHS: Pulmonary EmbolismSource
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Medical Editorial Team · Last reviewed October 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy