Thrombolytic Medicines for Pulmonary Embolism - Topic Overview
Thrombolytic medicines, such as streptokinase, urokinase, or tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), interfere with the action of thrombin, which is needed to form blood clots. These medicines help to dissolve blood clots and may be used to treat pulmonary embolism in life-threatening situations.
Research continues on the best use of thrombolytics to treat pulmonary embolism. All thrombolytics can cause serious bleeding. Bleeding inside the brain is a particular danger that can cause a stroke or death. In general, thrombolytics are used only where the risk of bleeding can be balanced against the risks of not dissolving the blood clot rapidly. Thrombolytics might be used when you have a large blood clot that is:
Understanding Bronchitis -- Symptoms
The symptoms of acute bronchitis may include: Hacking cough that persists for 5 days or more Clear, yellow, white, or green phlegm Absence of fever, although a low grade fever may occasionally be present Soreness in the chest If a fever is present (temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), and there are signs that your general well being is affected, such as loss of appetite and generalized achiness, then pneumonia may be the cause of your symptoms. Pneumonia usually requires...
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- Severely blocking blood flow.
- Decreasing the heart's ability to pump blood.
- Causing very low blood pressure and shock.
These medicines are given through a vein in the hand or arm. Occasionally it is necessary to insert a catheter and give the medicine directly into the pulmonary artery. You must be hospitalized to receive thrombolytic medicines.
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