Definition: An "air embolism" is a medical condition that occurs when an air bubble enters the bloodstream. This can happen due to a rapid change in pressure, like when scuba diving, or during medical procedures, such as surgery or getting an injection. When the air bubble travels through the blood, it can block blood flow, which may cause pain or serious health problems.
In more advanced contexts, you might encounter the term in discussions about diving safety protocols, surgical techniques, or emergency medicine.
While "air embolism" specifically refers to a medical condition, "embolism" on its own can refer to the obstruction of a blood vessel by any substance (not just air). For example, a blood clot can also cause an embolism, but it would be referred to simply as a "thromboembolism."
While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "air embolism," it’s useful to understand terms related to emergencies or health, such as: - "Come up for air" – This idiom means to take a break or rest, often used figuratively. However, it can relate contextually to diving and needing to surface safely. - "Get back on track" – This phrase can be used in a medical context to mean recovering from a complication like an air embolism.
An air embolism is a serious medical condition caused by an air bubble blocking blood flow in the body. It is important to understand its causes, symptoms, and prevention methods, especially for those involved in diving or medical procedures.