Air Embolism FAQs

Air embolisms, also called gas embolisms, occur when a blood vessel becomes blocked by an air bubble. This condition is rare but can be fatal, and prompt treatment is crucial for avoiding disability or death.

What is an Air Embolism?

Embolisms refer to a blockage in the blood vessels. With an air embolism, the blockage in the blood vessel is air. Air embolisms can affect the arteries or veins, but embolisms of the artery are more severe because they are more likely to reach the brain, causing a stroke. If the air embolism travels to the lungs, the lungs can fail. A heart attack can occur if the air embolism reaches the heart.

Some air embolisms are small—they are often absorbed into the bloodstream without harm. Others, however, are large and cause damage. The location of the embolism plays a role in treatment.

What Causes an Air Embolism?

An embolism is caused by air entering a blood vessel. This can occur:

Through a syringe
Through an IV during surgery
Through a catheter
During ventilator treatment for lung trauma
When scuba diving
During an explosion or blast

This condition is very rare. However, it is the most common cause of death among scuba divers. Divers should take steps to prevent embolism, such as limiting the length of dives, surfacing slowly, avoiding alcohol before diving or diving in frigid water, and staying on the surface between dives.

Some surgeries can cause an air embolism. These include:

Brain surgery
Orthopedic surgery
Open heart surgery
Transfusions
Other procedures in which blood vessels are exposed

Surgeons are able to monitor and remove these bubbles during surgery, which involves:

Sealing any open blood vessels
Reducing air in the bloodstream
Moving the heart above the surgical site
Providing heart and lung support until the bubble is absorbed
Giving the patient pure oxygen

What are the Symptoms of an Air Embolism?

Some air embolisms do not cause symptoms, but it depends on the size and location. Signs of this condition can include:

A feeling of stress or anxiety
Difficulty breathing or respiratory failure
Blue skin
Chest pain
Low blood pressure
Heart failure
Confusion
Dizziness or vertigo
Fatigue
Tremors (shaking)
Muscle or joint pain
Stroke
Loss of consciousness
Blurred vision
Irregular heartbeat
Seizures
Itchy skin
Hallucinations
Nausea or vomiting

Is Treatment Available?

Doctors can diagnose this condition with a chest X-ray, echocardiogram or ultrasound. If your doctor suspects an embolism, his or her goals will include:

Removing the source of the embolism
Preventing bodily damage
Reviving the patient if necessary

Treatment options include medication, surgery and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. During this therapy, you will sit in a room filled with 100% oxygen, which helps the air bubble to shrink and be absorbed.

An air embolism is a medical emergency. If you have any of the symptoms above, call 911. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about this condition.