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Air embolism
Air embolism is a problem that occurs when a bubble of air enters the blood circulation and gets stuck in a small vessel. The air bubble can block the flow of blood past the bubble, which can result in damage to tissues and organs, such as the brain. An air embolism can happen during a problem placing an arterial catheter, or when there is damage to the heart or lungs that causes air to enter the blood stream.
Dr. Robert Kwokreviewed this
Pediatrics 35 years experience
Is a type of:Embolus
How long it usually lasts:
Medium-term (lasts weeks to months)
How common is it?
Rare
Rare | Extremely rare | Very rare | Rare | Common | Very common |
| Teenager14-18 | |||||
| Young adult19-40 |
How it can usually be treated?
Can be cured with medical treatment
How is it usually diagnosed?