What happens if air gets into a vein?
Many have heard that air entering a vein can be deadly. Is this really true? How serious is the threat from an air bubble in the circulatory system? When should you worry? We will tell you what happens to the body if air enters a vein. You will learn how much air can cause harm and whether there is a chance of salvation.
Almost every one of us has encountered intravenous infusions through a drip at least once. This simple procedure causes fear in many people due to a persistent myth. They say that if the solution in the drip runs out and the tube is not closed in time, air will get into the vein and the person will die. Is it really that scary?
Small bubbles can be seen in the channel of any IV. But they do not pose a danger, as they simply stick to the walls of the tube and remain motionless. The greatest concern for patients occurs when the solution in the IV runs out and they see how air begins to move towards the needle.
There is no need to be afraid of this, because the principle of operation of the dropper, like everything in the world, is subject to the laws of physics. The air pressure in the peripheral vein is always high enough to stop the movement of air. Therefore, nothing terrible will happen - such a situation is completely safe for life and health.
Dangerous air embolism occurs in completely different cases. It can happen with serious injuries or unsuccessful catheterization of large veins. The pressure in them is negative, and there is a risk of air being drawn into the circulatory system. But for a dangerous situation to occur, the volume of air entering the vein must be significant.
To provoke a life-threatening heart attack or stroke, it is necessary to deliberately inject about 200-300 ml of air into a vein. This is equivalent to twenty 10 ml syringes. But this can only happen if the air is injected during a medical procedure on purpose. Such cases have not been recorded in medical practice.
Blockage of blood vessels due to air penetration occurs with large and deep wounds through which air penetrates inside. In such situations, blood circulation can really be disrupted. But timely and qualified medical care can prevent dangerous consequences.
But air embolism can occur even without damage to blood vessels. It is encountered by divers who dive to great depths. If they rise to the surface too quickly, the pressure drops sharply. Because of this, gases dissolved in the blood turn into bubbles. These bubbles clog blood vessels, which leads to decompression sickness. As a result, organ ischemia may develop.
But if safety precautions are observed during diving, this will not happen. The gradual ascent that divers practice eliminates the occurrence of decompression. There are also special decompression chambers. This is a capsule in which a scuba diver or a diver who has been at a significant depth is placed. It maintains high pressure, which gradually decreases.
As you can see, the fear of a "deadly bubble" in a dropper is more of a myth than a real threat. The danger arises only in exceptional circumstances, more often - outside of normal conditions. Have you encountered similar fears during medical procedures? How much do you get influenced by information "from popular sources" in health matters?