A pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most serious form of venous disease. It happens when a blood clot from deep within the body breaks free and travels to the lung. PE is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. If any of the following symptoms start suddenly and without explanation, they suggest pulmonary embolism and need immediate medical treatment:

• Trouble breathing,
• Sharp pains in the chest, or 
• Coughing up blood or pink, foamy mucus

Other Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism

• Anxiety
• Unexplained heavy sweating
• Feeling faint or light-headed
• Racing heart rate

Many of these symptoms could also signal a heart attack, panic attack or pneumonia, but you won’t know for sure until you get help. Having trouble breathing is a medical emergency that needs immediate treatment.