Latest news with #pulmonaryembolism
Zawya
2 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
RAK Hospital urges fit-to-fly screenings for high-risk travellers
RAK Hospital is advising travellers, especially those with underlying health conditions, to consult their physicians before long flights, especially during the summer holidays. The advisory follows a recent emergency case where a male patient developed a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE) after returning from an 8-hour flight from the UK. The patient was admitted to the ICU for monitoring and treatment with anticoagulants, but the case serves as a reminder of the health risks associated with prolonged immobility during air travel. Travelers are strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, rapid heartbeat or palpitations, pain, redness or swelling in one leg, or light-headedness and fainting after a flight. To stay safe while flying, RAK Hospital emphasises taking precautions, especially before long-haul travel. These include consulting a physician for a "fit-to-fly" clearance, moving frequently, staying hydrated, wearing compression stockings, and avoiding sudden temperature shifts. The patient was discharged in stable condition and prescribed blood-thinning medication for the next three months. RAK Hospital remains committed to preventive healthcare and urges all travellers to prioritise their health as part of their summer travel plans, especially when flying long distances. 'Pulmonary embolism often begins as a blood clot in the leg — a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — which can travel to the lungs and block blood flow,' explained Dr Suha Suleman, Specialist Pulmonologist at RAK Hospital. 'Long-haul flights, where passengers remain seated for extended periods with limited movement, significantly increase this risk — especially in individuals who are obese, pregnant, have heart or lung conditions, clotting disorders, or a prior history of thrombosis.' 'If ignored, pulmonary embolism can result in lung damage, heart strain, or even sudden death. Recognising symptoms early and acting quickly can be lifesaving,' added Dr Suleman. 'We advise all patients with known risk factors to have a proper medical consultation before travel. A simple check-up can prevent serious in-flight or post-flight complications,' said Dr Suleman. 'In cases like this, the goal of treatment is to prevent the enlargement of the existing clot and to stop the formation of new clots.' -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
3 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
RAK Hospital urges fit-to-fly screenings for high-risk passengers amid summer travel surge
Don't Ignore the Signs — Pulmonary Embolism Case Reinforces Importance of Pre-Travel Medical Advice Ras Al Khaimah, UAE: As international travel picks up during the summer holidays, RAK Hospital is urging travelers — particularly those with underlying health conditions — to consult their physicians before long flights. The advisory follows a recent emergency case where a male patient developed a pulmonary embolism (PE) — a potentially life-threatening blood clot in the lungs — days after returning from an 8-hour flight from the UK. The patient arrived at RAK Hospital's Emergency Department with persistent right-sided chest pain that had lasted three days. A CT pulmonary angiography confirmed acute pulmonary embolism, and the patient was admitted to the ICU for monitoring and treatment with anticoagulants. Fortunately, he was in stable condition and recovered well, but the case serves as a serious reminder of the health risks associated with prolonged immobility during air travel. 'Pulmonary embolism often begins as a blood clot in the leg — a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — which can travel to the lungs and block blood flow,' explained Dr. Suha Alsheikh Suleman, Specialist Pulmonologist at RAK Hospital. 'Long-haul flights, where passengers remain seated for extended periods with limited movement, significantly increase this risk — especially in individuals who are obese, pregnant, have heart or lung conditions, clotting disorders, or a prior history of thrombosis.' Travelers are strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, coughing (sometimes with blood), rapid heartbeat or palpitations, pain, redness or swelling in one leg, or lightheadedness and fainting after a flight. These could be warning signs of pulmonary embolism (PE) — a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow and potentially leading to severe complications or even death if left untreated. 'If ignored, pulmonary embolism can result in lung damage, heart strain, or even sudden death. Recognizing symptoms early and acting quickly can be lifesaving,' added Dr. Suha. How to Stay Safe While Flying: RAK Hospital emphasizes that high-risk individuals should take the following precautions, especially before long-haul travel: Consult your physician before travel: Consult a physician for a 'fit-to-fly' clearance especially if you have chronic respiratory, heart conditions, or a history of PE or DVT Move frequently: Walk or stretch your legs every 1–2 hours during flights Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking Wear compression stockings: Particularly for individuals with obesity, cancer, pregnancy, or history of clots Avoid sudden temperature shifts: Travelers moving between extreme heat and cold (or vice versa) are at a higher risk of dehydration and increased blood viscosity, which can elevate the chances of developing DVT and pulmonary embolism. They are advised to stay well-hydrated and avoid prolonged sitting. 'We advise all patients with known risk factors to have a proper medical consultation before travel. A simple check-up can prevent serious in-flight or post-flight complications,' said Dr. Suha. 'In cases like this, the goal of treatment is to prevent the enlargement of the existing clot and to stop the formation of new clots.' The patient has since been discharged in stable condition and prescribed blood-thinning medication for the next three months. RAK Hospital remains committed to preventive healthcare and urges all travelers to prioritize their health as part of their summer travel plans, especially when flying long distances. For more information or to book a pre-travel consultation, visit
Daily Mail
25-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Warning as healthy 29 year-old dies from fatal lung condition triggered by popular contraception
A healthy young woman died from a blood clot to the lungs caused by the Pill, after medics misdiagnosed her with a virus. Chloe Alicia Ellis, from Dewsbury, had taken the combined oral contraceptive pill Yasmin to manage her endometriosis since September 2023. But in August 2024, the 29-year-old contacted NHS 111 online after suddenly experiencing chest and back pain, as well as breathlessness and informed them she was on the Pill. The online assessment urged her to attend A&E having concluded via the algorithm that she was likely suffering from a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism. Yet, it did not her inform her of this and staff at Dewsbury District Hospital did not have access to the information given to NHS 111. Now, a coroner has found doctors at the hospital took an 'inadequate' medical history from Ms Ellis, failing to ask about her medication history—specifically her use of oral contraception—and she was diagnosed with a viral illness before being discharged. Just three days later she collapsed at home and died at Leeds General Infirmary on September 3, 2024. At the inquest into Ms Ellis' death, coroner Oliver Longstaff determined that her life could have been saved if information she gave to the NHS 111 service had been passed to the hospital. He said: 'Had a history of her oral contraceptive use been obtained when Chloe attended a local hospital emergency department on 31 August 2024, she would have been given anticoagulation medication and undergone tests that would have revealed the pulmonary embolism. 'She would have received effective treatment for the pulmonary embolism and, on the balance of probabilities, would not have died three days later.' The condition occurs when a clot forms in a vein, usually in the leg, before traveling to the lung where it gets stuck. Such blockages can prove fatal if the clot blocks the blood supply to the lungs. According to the coroner, it is possible for NHS 111 online assessments to be made accessible to A&E, but the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB)—which oversees Dewsbury District Hospital—had not commissioned accessibility to NHS 111. Mr Longstaff said: 'The availability of NHS 111 online assessments to clinicians in emergency departments may assist in the obtaining of a full history and may act as a failsafe against inadequate history taking in emergency departments.' A spokesperson for West Yorkshire ICB said the trust was working to understand what changes were needed going forward. They said: 'We are very sorry to hear about what happened to Chloe, and our sincere condolences go to her loved ones. Just three days after contacting NHS 111 she collapsed at home and died at Leeds General Infirmary on September 3, 2024 'We have been reviewing the points raised by the coroner and we are working with all our relevant partners to understand the learning and the current arrangements to establish what changes are required in order to prevent similar losses in future.' Mr Longstaff has also written to the ICB with his findings in a Prevention of Future Deaths report. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) — which polices the safety of drugs used in Britain — notes the combined Pill, which is also often taken as an endometriosis and acne medication, can increase the risk of blood clots. However, its 'benefits far outweigh the risk of serious side effects', it adds. The reaction is believed to be due to how oestrogen—a hormone in the combined pill—boosts the number of clotting substances in women's blood. The Pill contains oestrogen and progestogen. At higher levels, this raises the risk of a clot forming anywhere in the body, such as the lungs. If this becomes dislodged it can also travel to the brain—triggering a stroke. Latest NHS figures for suggest there were almost 3million prescriptions for the combined pill and more than 4million for the mini pill, which just contains progestogen. Around a quarter of all women aged 15 to 49 are on either the combined or progesterone only pill. The proportion of women taking oral contraceptives has fallen by more than two-thirds, from 420,600 in 2012/13 to 126,400 in 2022/23, according to the NHS data. Around 555,400 women turned to the health service's sexual and reproductive health services in 2022/23—equivalent to four per cent of 13 to 54-year-olds But the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare estimates around 1 per cent of women using the contraceptive are at risk of suffering blood clots. Known side effects of the drug—proven to be over 99 per cent effective at stopping pregnancy—also include nausea, breast tenderness, mood swings and headaches. Rarer complications of the combined and the mini pill, however, can include a slightly heightened risk of breast and cervical cancer. Research also suggests 40 per cent of patients who die from a pulmonary embolism complained of nagging symptoms for weeks before their death. For every pulmonary embolism diagnosed in time, there are at least another two where the diagnosis was missed and resulted in sudden death, according to the charity Thrombosis UK.
Daily Mail
16-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Doctors dismissed my pregnant daughter, 19, when she complained of dizziness. Days later she collapsed and died - and then the unimaginable happened
A mother has revealed her devastation after her daughter and her newborn granddaughter died just hours apart. Justine Ryan, from Atherton, Greater Manchester, had been so excited when her daughter, Mellodie-Ocean Jarman, announced she was having a baby. But 33 weeks into the pregnancy, Mellodie, who was just 19 and had no prior health issues, collapsed on her way to a 4D scan and later passed away on February 2. It was later revealed she'd suffered a pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. Mellodie's baby daughter, Athena-Pearl, was delivered seven weeks early and survived on life-support for just 16 hours before being laid in her mother's arms. The tragedy came little more than a day after 'fit and healthy' Mellodie complained of feeling faint and dizzy during a routine pregnancy scan on January 31 and was sent home with medication and antibiotics. But by the following evening at 11.20pm, Mellodie began to complain she was having difficulties breathing and struggling to see and an ambulance was called. Shortly after the call was made, the teenager fell unconscious and stopped breathing, collapsing into her mother's arms. Paramedics desperately tried to revive her by performing CPR and she was rushed to the Royal Bolton Hospital. Doctors there carried out an emergency C-section and Mellodie gave birth to baby Athena-Pearl seven weeks early, at 12.32am on Sunday. Tragically Mellodie died around 80 minutes after the operation while tiny Athena-Pearl died hours later. Now, Mellodie's mother, Justine, 52, has spoken for the first time of her family's devastation and says she cannot bear to move anything in Mellodie's room, which was ready to welcome their new arrival. Mother-of-five Justine says: 'Mellodie was my only daughter, and I am lost without her. We were so looking forward to the birth of her little girl. It still does not feel real that they are gone. 'My only comfort is that they are together. That image of Mellodie cradling her baby in her coffin will live with me forever.' Mellodie was nicknamed 'Boo' by her family, because she wore her hair in little pigtails like the character from Monsters Inc. when she was little. Justine says: 'Mellodie was kind-hearted and loving. She loved singing and dancing and baking. She was sassy and had a great sense of humour. With four brothers, she loved to boss everyone about and keep them all in line. We called her our Queen. 'She was like an extra arm for me, she was a great help with the little ones, and she took responsibility for all the technology like the apps for school and the ring doorbell. She was especially close to her uncles Steven and Conor.' Mellodie met her boyfriend Daniel Darbyshire in high school and, for three years, had admired him from afar. In June 2022, she wrote in her diary: 'Happy news!....after three years, he finally asked me to be his.' Justine says: 'Mellodie skipped home from school that day, she was so happy when Daniel asked her out and they were very much in love.' After leaving school, Mellodie and Daniel both worked at a local Wetherspoons and in August 2024, Mellodie discovered she was pregnant. Justine says: 'Mellodie had problems with irregular periods, so we'd made an appointment with the doctor. Beforehand, I told her to do a pregnancy test. I just had a feeling, a mother's intuition. 'Mellodie didn't for a minute think she was pregnant, and she was shocked. She and Daniel were only young, but they soon got used to the idea. They lived with me and began planning for the baby. 'Again, I had a feeling she was carrying a little girl, and I was right. They chose the name Athena-Pearl, we started buying baby girl clothes and we got all the equipment she needed. Our whole family was excited.' The pregnancy went well until, in January 2025, Mellodie began feeling breathless. Justine says: 'We told the midwife who said she was low on iron and needed to have more snacks. Another time they said the extra weight would be affecting her breathing. 'But on the way home from the surgery we had to stop several times for her to get her breath, and it didn't seem right to me.' On January 31, at 33 weeks, Mellodie had booked a 4D scan. But on her way there, she collapsed. Justine says: 'Daniel and I managed to catch her as she fell on the platform, and we got an ambulance. In the hospital, they thought her breathlessness was due to panic, along with low iron levels. 'They got her to breathe in and out slowly and have a glass of water and discharged her with antibiotics and liquid iron supplements. She had been complaining of pain in her groin, but the checks on the baby were fine which was a relief.' The following evening, Daniel was planning a last night out with his friends before the baby came. The family enjoyed a Chinese takeaway, and Justine went to bed around 10.30pm. She says: 'I was woken after 11pm by Mellodie shouting that she'd fallen. I got her into the bathroom, and I realised she was disorientated. I called an ambulance and tried to get her to breathe slowly, as the hospital had advised. 'But then she suddenly fell forwards into my arms. Her eyes rolled back, and I went into panic. I realised she wasn't breathing. I screamed for my son to ring the ambulance back, to come quickly. 'The paramedics arrived but it was 45 minutes before they moved her, and I was hysterical. I followed the ambulance to hospital, and I met Daniel and Steven there.' Baby Athena was delivered within a few moments of arrival and placed on life-support. Tragically, at 1.52am, Mellodie was declared deceased. Justine says: 'She was only 19 years old, she was perfectly fit and healthy. I couldn't take it in. But Athena was on life support, and so I had to focus on her. That was what Mellodie would have wanted. 'We were allowed to see Mellodie and, when the tubes and wires were removed, I could give her a proper cuddle.' Baby Athena clung to life but as the hours passed, the doctors warned she wasn't going to make it. Justine says: 'The nurses lifted her into a portable incubator, and we took her to the mortuary so she could be laid with her mummy. 'We took photos, handprints, and had cuddles and Athena's life-support was terminated there, in her mother's arms, at 6.24pm. Afterwards, Daniel pushed Athena in her pram back to the neo-natal unit. 'Steven bathed and dressed her, ready for our final goodbye. Mellodie had been really looking forward to doing all those firsts with her baby daughter and now, she would never get the chance. 'Leaving the hospital was surreal; I could never in my worst nightmares have imagined I would lose my daughter and granddaughter together. 'In the days afterwards, the NHS appointments kept coming for Mellodie, another scan, another blood test. It felt very cruel. 'I couldn't bear to move a thing from her bedroom, all the baby clothes are still there, waiting. It was horrendous for Daniel; he'd been about to start a new family, and it had been snatched away from him. 'Mellodie had been planning to book a football tour for Daniel for Valentine's and so we arranged it and Steven and her older brother, Devon, took him.' Mellodie and Athena-Pearl were cremated together, and Justine chose Paloma Faith's 'Only Love Can Hurt Like This' which was special to them. Mother and daughter were carried in a white horse and carriage, in a white coffin, and Steven prepared a 10 page 'Celebration of Life' containing photos and memories. The family have since learned, according to a pathologist's report provided to them, that Mellodie-Ocean died of pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and third trimester pregnancy. Her daughter, who was due in seven weeks, passed away from severe hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy with multiorgan dysfunction, prematurity, and maternal cardiac arrest. Justine says: 'Her left leg was not red or noticeably swollen or painful. But she was breathless and unwell. Nothing will bring Mellodie back, but we hope other pregnant mothers, and health professionals, will learn from our story. 'If Mellodie had been kept in hospital after that first collapse, perhaps she could have been saved. If Athena-Pearl had been delivered earlier, maybe she'd have made it. We will never know the answers. 'But I am speaking out so that other lives can be saved, in Mellodie's memory. My only comfort is that they are together, and Athena-Pearl is in her mother's arms, where she belongs.' Mellodie's grief-stricken partner Daniel, 18, said he has been left 'lost and heartbroken' by his partner and daughter's deaths. He said: 'We were both excited to become partners and had our whole lives to look forward to. I haven't just lost my partner and daughter. I have lost my world, my dreams, and my safety blanket.' Health bosses overseeing The Royal Bolton Hospital said in February that an investigation into the double death tragedy had been launched. Dr Francis Andrews, Medical Director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'Our heartfelt condolences are with the family and friends of Mellodie-Ocean and Athena-Pearl at this incredibly difficult time, and we are doing everything we can to support them. 'As with any unexpected death we will be carrying out a full and thorough investigation and will keep the family informed as that progresses.' The heartbroken family have since thanked medical staff at the Royal Bolton Hospital for their efforts in trying to save the lives of both Mellodie and baby Athena-Pearl. 'We would like to express our gratitude to the team at Bolton from the emergency department for working so very hard to save Mellodie, and to the neonatal unit and all the team on shift that Saturday night and Sunday for trying to save Athena,' they said in a statement. 'Your love, caring, and kind support were very much needed, and you made every effort to make us feel safe. 'The team at the mortuary and our bereavement key worker have been so understanding and caring toward the whole family. 'It was paramount to see that this event has touched everyone involved, and as much as we are struggling to come to terms with this whole situation, we can see that all involved are very much affected. 'So, from the bottom of my heart, we would like to say thank you for being kind and caring at a moment in life that is really needed.'
News.com.au
15-06-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Australian cycling star Michael Matthews is out of the Tour de France after team doctors discovered signs of a pulmonary embolism
Australian cycling star Michael Matthews is out of the Tour de France after team doctors discovered signs of a pulmonary embolism. Matthews, who has won four stages at the world's most prestigious race, and also took out the green points classification in 2017, was at a Jayco AlUla altitude training camp when team doctors first saw signs of the issue. A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that goes to the lungs and blocks an artery, restricting blood flow and, if untreated, it can be life-threatening. Matthews was forced to immediately stop all physical activity, is off the team's roster for the July Tour, and his return to cycling is unknown. 'The medical team are now thoroughly investigating the extent of the issue and possible cause, to define a safe and optimal recovery process for the athlete,' a team statement said.. 'During this period of investigation, as a safeguarding measure, Matthews will refrain from competition to ensure there is no risk to his health and wellbeing, therefore ruling out his participation in the upcoming Tour de France.' Matthews had his first win of the year early last month at the Eschborn-Frankfurt one-day race in Germany and would have been a key rider for the Australian team at the Tour.
