What is a common cause of pulmonary embolism?

A common cause of pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in the pulmonary arteries, obstructing blood flow to the lungs. This obstruction can lead to significant tissue damage and impaired gas exchange, resulting in symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and even collapse in severe cases. The term "pulmonary embolism" refers specifically to this blockage, and understanding that it is primarily caused by a thrombus (blood clot) is crucial for recognizing risk factors and employing preventative measures.

In contrast, fluid accumulation in the lungs often refers to conditions such as pulmonary edema, which is not the same as a pulmonary embolism. Airway inflammation, while it can affect lung function, is generally related to conditions like asthma or chronic bronchitis, rather than the direct blockage of blood vessels. Similarly, a bacterial infection in lung tissues typically results in pneumonia or other infectious diseases, which do not directly cause pulmonary embolism but could contribute to complications if present alongside other risk factors for clot formation.