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What is Air Embolism?
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
An air embolism is a medical condition characterized by a bubble in the bloodstream. Air embolisms are more properly termed “gas embolisms,” since the gas involved does not necessarily need to be air. Depending on the size of an air embolism, it can cause a variety of problems, ranging chest pain to death, and it is important to treat embolisms if they are suspected to avoid long-term complications or death.
A number of things can lead to an air embolism. Trauma, for example, can introduce air into the bloodstream, as can some surgical procedures, and air in intravenous lines or syringes. Diving also puts people at risk for a type of air embolism called an arterial gas embolism. As the bubble enters the bloodstream, it occludes it, obstructing the flow of blood. The embolism may also travel, cutting off blood flow to various organs, and potentially reaching the heart and causing a fatal disruption of cardiac function.
Someone with an air embolism will generally develop cardiac problems, chest pain, pale skin, seizures, and an altered level of consciousness. If someone has engaged in activity which would put them at risk for an air embolism, a doctor may recommend that treatment begin immediately. Tests such as imaging studies and arterial blood gas tests can also be used to confirm the diagnosis.
In emergency treatment, a patient with a suspected air embolism will often be placed in the Trendelenberg position, a slanted position with the head facing down. This is designed to trap the air bubble in the apex of the ventricle, if it has reached the heart, and also slows the rate of travel, making the embolism less likely to reach the brain or heart. Pure oxygen may also be used in treatment, and the patient may require cardiopulmonary resuscitation if the embolism reaches the heart.
The best treatment for an air embolism is often a stay in a hyperbaric chamber. A hyperbaric chamber is a pressurized chamber which can be controlled by hospital personnel. If a patient is placed in the chamber and the pressure is increased, the pressure will force the gases in the embolism to dissolve into the blood, clearing the embolism. Then, the pressure can be slowly decreased while the patient breathes a high-oxygen gas mixture, allowing the body to express the gases slowly and safely so that the embolism does not re-form.
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
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![Air intravenous lines can cause an air embolism.]()
By: wacharaphongAir intravenous lines can cause an air embolism. -
![Someone with an air embolism will generally develop cardiac problems, chest pain, pale skin, seizures and an altered level of consciousness.]()
By: Lisa F. YoungSomeone with an air embolism will generally develop cardiac problems, chest pain, pale skin, seizures and an altered level of consciousness. -
![An air embolism is a condition characterized by a bubble in the bloodstream.]()
By: 7activestudioAn air embolism is a condition characterized by a bubble in the bloodstream. -
![Imaging studies may be used to confirm an air embolism.]()
By: Maurizio MilanesioImaging studies may be used to confirm an air embolism.
Discussion Comments
@Iluviaporos - Well, I have always been worried about getting an air embolism through my vagina. I know, I know it sounds like something kids tell each other to scare themselves, and for a long time I thought it was an urban legend, but there are studies that show that if a woman gets air blown up into her vagina, it can enter her bloodstream and cause an embolism.
It's supposedly very, very rare, thank goodness but still a scary thought. So, even if you think it's funny, it's not a good idea to blow air into your girlfriend's vagina!
@pleonasm - They will be able to help you, as with the position described in the article. If you're really worried, memorize what it is, so that if you feel the symptoms you can get into it. In my experience though, air or gas embolisms happen most often to drug addicts or other people who have to use needles and aren't trained professionals, like diabetics.
And actually, a venous air embolism isn't that big a deal, since the blood is returning to the lungs to be oxygenated anyway. It's the air bubbles that get into the arteries that's more dangerous as they will travel where the blood is traveling and that can include major organs or the brain.
I know it's ridiculous, because modern nurses and doctors are well aware of the dangers of a venous air embolism, but I've always been terrified of getting one. That's the reason they kind of flick at syringes before putting them into your arm, because it makes all the bubbles rise to the surface.
But I always think, what if they do it too quickly and a tiny little bubble gets in there? It only needs to be a small one. And it could kill you really quickly.
I guess that's the only comfort. At least if they do it they will know how to fix you as well.
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