Yaz Pulmonary Embolism

By: John Davidson Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Each year, over 100,000 new cases of pulmonary embolism (PE) are diagnosed in the U.S. The condition is triggered by an arterial blockage within the lung. The blockage prevents blood from flowing into the area of the lung fed by the artery. Over time, the obstruction causes lung damage. There is growing evidence that Yaz and Yasmin birth control increase the risk of developing PE.

Data from the U.S. government ranks pulmonary embolism as one of the most common causes of death in patients who are hospitalized. It is estimated that one out of three patients who have PE will eventually die if it is left untreated.

Below, we'll take a closer look at the root cause of pulmonary embolism. I'll describe the process by which it develops, the symptoms which manifest, and how the condition is diagnosed. In doing so, I'll illustrate the role played by Yaz and Yasmin birth control.

How Yaz Pulmonary Embolism Occurs

In nearly all cases, pulmonary embolism is caused by a blood clot that forms within one of the deep veins of your legs. This type of blood clot is known as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. If the clot remains within the deep vein, it will hamper the flow of blood. If it detaches itself, it can be carried by the bloodstream. The loose, traveling clot is called an embolus.

The embolus can travel to the heart and into the lung through a pulmonary artery. These arteries feed blood to the lungs. If the embolus lodges within one of them, it will create a blockage, or pulmonary embolism. As a result, the area of the lung that depends upon blood fed through that artery will starve. If the obstruction is not removed, the lung will become damaged.

PE Symptoms And Diagnosis

The symptoms which manifest as a result of PE will depend heavily on the number of clots in the pulmonary arteries and the level of obstruction caused by them. Breathing problems and chest pain are common; arrhythmias may present; in some cases, the patient will cough up blood, or blood-tinged mucous.

Symptoms can also be subtle and even limited to signs of deep vein thrombosis. For example, you may feel uncharacteristic warmth or heightened sensitivity within your leg. You may also notice the skin in the affected area is discolored. You should inform your doctor if you notice these symptoms.

Your doctor may perform a number of tests to diagnose whether you have pulmonary embolism, or are at risk. He or she might perform an ultrasound to identify clots within your leg. An alternative approach is to use a computed tomography scan with a special dye; the dye is injected to highlight blood vessels within your lungs. Other tests include an echocardiogram, pulmonary angiography, lung ventilation/perfusion scan, and x-rays of your chest.

How Yasmin and Yaz Birth Control Contribute To PE

It's worth noting that all combined-hormone contraceptives, including Yasmin and Yaz, can increase your risk of developing pulmonary embolism. They contain estrogen, a hormone that acts as a blood coagulant. When estrogen is combined with the progestin drospirenone - as it is in Yaz birth control - there is an increased likelihood of blood clotting. This is one of the side effects of using Yasmin and Yaz contraceptives. Drospirenone has a diuretic effect, which reduces the body's store of water. This can cause your blood to thicken, leading to greater exposure to clotting.

Many women who have never shown signs of clotting are now coping with pulmonary embolism as the result of using Yasmin and Yaz birth control. If you or someone you know is suffering from Yasmin side effects, it may be time to contact a Yaz lawyer.