Question 1

scared i have air embolism from sex?

Accepted Answer

Not likely: Pneumoperitoneum (free air) in the abdomen potentially can occur if the introitus (read: vagina) is blown into... As beyond the cervix, at the fimbria of the fallopian tubes is a direct opening into the abdomen-pelvis.  The fimbria open up to but are not fused to their respective ovary.  Air embolism only occurs when, say, an IV is injected with air (poor technique)...

Question 2

what are the tests for air embolism?

Accepted Answer

Air in the heart: If air is introduced in venous side of the circulation if often foams in the heart and may be visible on routine chest x-ray as areas of low density in the heart, especially right atrium.  There are no lab tests specific for air embolism.  Usually it takes about 100 cc of air to cause symptoms and lesser amount may go unnoticed.

Question 3

what are the symptoms of air embolism?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms....: Air embolism is very serious and is often life-threatening. Symptoms can include sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, hallucinations, passing out, low oxygen levels, cardiac arrhythmias, etc. There also needs to be a way for air to enter the bloodstream, travel to the heart/lungs and obstruct. This always requires emergent care and can be deadly.

Question 4

what sort of problem is an air embolism?

Accepted Answer

Air emolism: This is serious. Is common in scuba divers diving deeper than 60 feet. Basically you blood which is liquid becomes bubbelish (like when you open a soda can)  causing lack of oxygen to your brain. It can kill you instanly.

Question 5

what happens when you have an air embolism?

Accepted Answer

Nothing usually: The air typically is broken up as it goes through tissues- rare it causes strokes or other issues.

Question 6

what is the treatment for air embolism?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen, hyperbaric: Depending on the cause of air embolism, treatment with oxygen or in severe cases with hyperbaric oxygen may be needed.  Introduction of less than 100 cc of air in the venous side may not require specific treatment.  Air embolism due to decompression sickness is the main reason for using hyperbaric oxygen, i.e., putting the patient in a chamber with high pressure.

Question 7

how can an air embolism kill your fetus?

Accepted Answer

Extremely rare: Air embolism refers to air or gas entering the blood stream.  In an adult it can be from an intravenous line.  In the case of a fetus the potential would be from the mothers bloodstream or vaginal canal.  If you have concerns then discuss these with your obstetrician.  They are here to help you and rare case reports exist.

Question 8

does air embolism occur during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely but possibl: Embolism during delevery is rare dangerous event, it is possible unfortunately if it happens it is more due to aminiotic fluid embolism.

Question 9

what are the treatments for air embolism from an iv?

Accepted Answer

Depends. : Small amount (a few bubbles) are generally very well tolerated and do not need any treatment. Large amounts entering the central veins, especially during prodedures like a central line placement, is more concerning. The best "treatment" is prevention - like keeping the patients head below the heart. If air embolism occurs we are taught to position patients certain ways and aspirate.

Question 10

what happens if you have an air embolism in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

See below: Very rare and usually undiagnosed. Would only happen during delivery, only dangerous if a big bubble of air enters your bloodstream and lodges in the right ventricular outflow chamber, compromising circulation. If treated correctly, self-limited and no risk of recurrence.

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Scared i have air embolism from sex?

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What happens when you have an air embolism?

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Does air embolism occur during pregnancy?

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What happens if you have an air embolism in pregnancy?

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