Word: Gas Embolism
Definition:
A gas embolism is a medical condition that happens when air bubbles enter the bloodstream and block blood flow. This can cause pain and other serious health problems. It often occurs when there is a rapid change in pressure, such as during scuba diving or sometimes during medical procedures like surgery or injections.
Usage Instructions:
- Use "gas embolism" when discussing medical situations where air bubbles cause blockages in the blood vessels. - It is a noun, so it can be the subject or object of a sentence.
Example Sentence:
"The doctor explained that the patient suffered from a gas embolism after rising too quickly to the surface while scuba diving."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced medical discussions, you might see terms like "venous gas embolism" (when bubbles enter the veins) or "arterial gas embolism" (when bubbles enter the arteries). Both can have different causes and effects depending on where the bubbles enter the bloodstream.
Word Variants:
- The main word "embolism" can be used on its own to refer to any blockage in a blood vessel, but "gas embolism" specifies that it is caused by gas (air). - Related terms include "embolus" (the actual air bubble causing the blockage) and "embolization" (the process of blocking a blood vessel).
Different Meanings:
- In a general sense, "embolism" can refer to any type of blockage in the blood vessels, not just those caused by gas. For example, a blood clot can also cause an embolism.
Synonyms:
- There are not many direct synonyms for "gas embolism," but related terms might include "air embolism" or "aeration embolism," which also refer to air bubbles in the blood.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
- There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "gas embolism." However, the phrase "rise too quickly" can be used in discussions about scuba diving and the risks of gas embolism.