Final answer:
The signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism are chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and a rapid heartbeat. These symptoms require immediate medical attention as they can signal a potentially fatal condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious, potentially fatal medical condition that occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs. The signs and symptoms of a PE can vary greatly depending on the size of the clot and where it lodges in the lungs. The most common symptoms of PE include chest pain, often described as a sharp or stabbing pain that may become worse with deep breaths, shortness of breath, which can be sudden and may intensify with exertion, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), and a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). Other possible associated symptoms can include sweating, light-headedness, fever, and swelling in the legs due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If you suspect you or someone else has a pulmonary embolism, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately as it can lead to severe complications and is a medical emergency.