Alia Zuidema was a junior at Western Michigan Christian High School, a talented soccer player, a passionate musician, and a kind-hearted person. She passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 29, 2023, leaving behind a grieving family, friends, and community. The cause of her death was a pulmonary embolism, a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks the blood flow. In this article, we will explore what a pulmonary embolism is, how it can happen, what are the symptoms and risk factors, and how it can be prevented and treated.
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What is a Pulmonary Embolism?
A pulmonary embolism is a blockage of one or more arteries in the lungs by a blood clot. The blood clot usually forms in a vein in the legs or pelvis, a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The clot can break off and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, where it can obstruct the blood flow and reduce the oxygen supply to the body. This can cause damage to the lung tissue, heart failure, or even death.
According to the Mayo Clinic, pulmonary embolism affects about one in every 1,000 people in the U.S. each year. It is more common in older adults, but it can affect anyone at any age. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and treatment.
How Does a Pulmonary Embolism Happen?
A pulmonary embolism can happen for various reasons, but the most common cause is a DVT. A DVT is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body, usually in the lower leg or thigh. The clot can be caused by several factors, such as:
Prolonged immobility, such as sitting for a long time, bed rest, or traveling by plane or car
Injury or surgery that damages the blood vessels or causes inflammation
Certain medical conditions that affect the blood clotting, such as cancer, heart disease, or inherited disorders
Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy
Smoking, obesity, or dehydration
Sometimes, a pulmonary embolism can also be caused by other types of blood clots, such as those that form in the heart, the arms, or the abdomen. These clots can be triggered by conditions such as atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder, or septic shock, a severe infection.
What are the Symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism?
The symptoms of a pulmonary embolism can vary depending on the size and location of the clot, and the extent of the lung damage. Some of the common symptoms include:
Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chest pain that worsens with breathing, coughing, or movement
Coughing up blood or bloody mucus
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Sweating, fever, or anxiety
Some people may also experience symptoms of a DVT, such as:
Swelling, pain, tenderness, or warmth in the affected leg or arm
Redness or discoloration of the skin
Veins that appear larger or more visible than usual
It is important to seek medical help as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms, as a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. Do not ignore or delay your symptoms, as they can worsen quickly and lead to serious complications.
What are the Risk Factors for a Pulmonary Embolism?
Anyone can develop a pulmonary embolism, but some people are more likely to have it than others. Some of the risk factors that increase the chances of having a pulmonary embolism are:
Having a history of DVT or pulmonary embolism, or a family history of these conditions
Having a genetic or acquired disorder that affects the blood clotting, such as factor V Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, or antiphospholipid syndrome
Having a chronic medical condition that affects the heart, lungs, or blood vessels, such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or high blood pressure
Having surgery or a major injury that involves the legs, hips, abdomen, or chest
Being immobilized for a long time, such as after surgery, injury, or illness, or during travel
Being pregnant or having given birth within the past six weeks
Using hormonal medications, such as birth control pills, patches, injections, or implants, or hormone replacement therapy
Being older than 60 years
Being overweight or obese
Smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke
Having cancer or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy
How Can a Pulmonary Embolism Be Prevented and Treated?
The best way to prevent a pulmonary embolism is to prevent a DVT from forming in the first place. Some of the preventive measures that can reduce the risk of a DVT and a pulmonary embolism are:
Moving your legs frequently, especially during long periods of sitting or lying down, such as when traveling or recovering from surgery or illness
Wearing compression stockings or devices that apply gentle pressure to the legs and improve the blood flow
Taking blood thinners or anticoagulants as prescribed by your doctor, especially if you have a history or a risk of blood clots
Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you and thicken your blood
Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke, which can damage your blood vessels and increase your blood clotting
Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly, which can improve your circulation and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol
Following a balanced diet that is low in salt, fat, and cholesterol, and high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, which can prevent inflammation and improve your blood quality
Seeking medical attention for any signs of infection, inflammation, or injury that can trigger a blood clot
If you have a pulmonary embolism, you will need immediate treatment to dissolve the clot and restore the blood flow to your lungs. The treatment options may include:
Medications, such as blood thinners, clot busters, or pain relievers, that can prevent the clot from growing, break it down, or reduce the symptoms
Procedures, such as catheter-directed thrombolysis, surgical embolectomy, or inferior vena cava (IVC) filter, that can remove the clot or prevent it from reaching the lungs
Oxygen therapy, which can help you breathe better and increase the oxygen level in your blood
Monitoring and follow-up, which can check your condition and adjust your treatment as needed
The treatment for a pulmonary embolism can be effective and save your life, but it can also have some side effects and complications, such as bleeding, infection, or recurrence of the clot. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take your medications as prescribed. You may also need to make some lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, or avoiding certain foods or activities, to prevent another pulmonary embolism from happening.
Conclusion
Alia Zuidema was a young and vibrant girl who had a bright future ahead of her. She was a beloved daughter, sister, friend, and student who touched many lives with her kindness and joy. She passed away tragically due to a pulmonary embolism, a condition that can affect anyone at any age. A pulmonary embolism is a serious and potentially fatal complication of a blood clot that blocks the blood flow to the lungs. It can cause severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood, and it requires immediate medical attention and treatment. A pulmonary embolism can be prevented by reducing the risk of a blood clot in the veins, which can be done by moving your legs, wearing compression stockings, taking blood thinners, staying hydrated, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. If you have a pulmonary embolism, you will need to take medications, undergo procedures, or receive oxygen therapy to restore the blood flow to your lungs and prevent further damage. You will also need to monitor your condition and follow your doctor’s advice to avoid another pulmonary embolism from occurring.
Alia Zuidema’s death was a tragic and heartbreaking event that shocked and saddened everyone who knew her. She will be remembered for her smile, her spirit, and her love. She will be missed by her family, friends, and community. May she rest in peace and may her memory be a blessing.
