How Long Does it Take for an Air Embolism to Kill You Illustration

How Long for an Air Embolism to Kill You? (2024)

by | Updated: Sep 24, 2024

Air embolisms, or the sudden introduction of air into the bloodstream, present a serious medical concern.

Although often discussed in the context of diving accidents or medical procedures, the general public may not be fully aware of the potential rapidity and severity of the consequences.

This article delves into the timeline and potential outcomes of an air embolism, from its inception to its potentially fatal culmination.

How Long Does it Take for an Air Embolism to Kill You?

The time it takes for an air embolism to cause death varies depending on the size and location of the embolism. Small amounts might be absorbed without causing harm, while larger amounts entering the heart, brain, or lungs can have immediate and lethal consequences. Death can occur within minutes to hours, depending on the severity and treatment received. Immediate medical attention is crucial.

Air Embolism Bubble in blood vessel vector illustration

What is an Air Embolism?

An air embolism, also known as a gas embolism, occurs when one or more air bubbles enter a vein or artery and block it.

This can lead to serious complications, as the air bubble can travel to critical areas in the body, such as the brain, heart, or lungs.

Air embolisms can be caused by various means, including medical procedures where the vascular system is opened, traumatic injuries, and certain activities like scuba diving where rapid ascent can cause nitrogen to come out of solution in the blood, forming bubbles.

When these bubbles obstruct blood vessels, they can cause tissue damage due to lack of oxygen. Immediate medical attention is crucial if an air embolism is suspected.

How to Prevent an Air Embolism

Preventing an air embolism is critical, especially in contexts where the risk is elevated.

Here are several measures to help prevent the occurrence of air embolisms:

  • Medical and Surgical Procedures: Ensure that intravenous (IV) lines are free of air before use. Prime IV tubing to remove air before connecting it to the patient. When placing central venous catheters, have the patient lie flat, possibly in Trendelenburg position (head lower than feet). In surgeries, fill body cavities with saline solution when feasible to prevent air entry. Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to ensure it’s free of defects that could introduce air.
  • Trauma Precautions: For chest trauma or injuries, apply an occlusive dressing (airtight) to prevent air from being sucked into the chest cavity.
  • Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Proper training and adherence to protocols are vital for those administering and undergoing hyperbaric treatments.
  • Patient Positioning: During certain procedures, especially involving the head and neck, consider the patient’s position. Positioning the head above the heart can reduce the risk.
  • Education: For professions at risk (like divers and healthcare providers), regular training and refreshers on the risks and prevention methods for air embolisms can be beneficial.
  • Vigilance During Transfusions and Dialysis: Always check equipment for air and ensure proper setup to minimize the risk of introducing air into the bloodstream.
  • Use of Filters: Some IV systems have filters designed to catch and stop air bubbles before they enter the bloodstream.
  • Scuba Diving Precautions: Avoid rapid ascents; always ascend slowly and make required safety stops. Use a dive computer or dive tables to plan dives and understand safe ascent rates. Avoid diving in deep water or participating in decompression diving if untrained or inexperienced.

By understanding the risks and causes of air embolisms, it is possible to implement these and other preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of their occurrence.

FAQs About Air Embolisms and Death

What are the Causes of an Air Embolism?

Air embolisms can be caused by a variety of situations, including:

  • Surgical and medical procedures where the vascular system is inadvertently opened to air.
  • Traumatic injuries, particularly those involving the chest.
  • Scuba diving, when a rapid ascent causes nitrogen bubbles to form in the blood.
  • Use of catheters or syringes that have air in them.

Can an Air Embolism Kill You?

Yes, an air embolism can be lethal. If the air bubble travels to the heart, brain, or lungs, it can cause severe complications, such as cardiac arrest, stroke, or respiratory failure.

Immediate medical attention is crucial if an air embolism is suspected.

How Does an Air Embolism Kill You?

An air embolism can kill by obstructing blood flow. When air bubbles enter the bloodstream, they can travel to critical organs. If they block vessels in the brain, they can cause a stroke. In the heart, they can lead to a heart attack or fatal arrhythmias.

In the lungs, they can prevent oxygen exchange, leading to respiratory failure.

Is an Air Embolism Always Fatal?

No, an air embolism is not always fatal. The severity and outcome depend on factors like the amount of air introduced, the location where the air travels, and how quickly medical treatment is received.

Small amounts of air may be absorbed without causing significant harm, while larger amounts can lead to severe complications or death.

How Long Does it Take an Air Embolism to Take Effect?

The time it takes for an air embolism to manifest symptoms varies based on the amount of air introduced and its location. Symptoms can appear within seconds to minutes, especially if the embolism affects vital organs like the brain or heart.

In some cases, however, symptoms might take longer to appear, especially with smaller volumes of air or if the embolism occurs in less critical locations.

What Happens if Air is Injected into the Bloodstream?

When air is injected into the bloodstream, it can form bubbles that travel through the circulatory system. Depending on the size and location of these bubbles, they can cause a range of complications.

This includes localized pain, inflammation, and tissue damage due to obstructed blood flow.

If the bubbles reach vital organs like the heart, brain, or lungs, severe symptoms such as heart attacks, strokes, or respiratory failure can occur.

How Much Air in Your Veins is Lethal?

The lethal volume of air for humans isn’t definitively established, but it’s widely believed that 2-3 mL of air per kilogram of body weight can be fatal when directly injected into the bloodstream.

However, as little as 50-100 mL of air introduced rapidly can obstruct the right side of the heart and prove fatal.

Can Air Embolism Go Away on Its Own?

Small volumes of air in the bloodstream might be absorbed by the body without causing harm. However, larger volumes or air bubbles in critical locations can pose severe risks and require immediate medical intervention.

It’s vital to seek medical attention if an air embolism is suspected, regardless of its perceived size or severity.

How Do You Get Rid of Air Bubbles in Your Lungs?

Air bubbles or trapped air in the lungs usually refer to conditions like pneumothorax, where air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall. Treatment often involves:

  • Observing small pneumothoraxes for self-resolution.
  • Inserting a needle or chest tube to release the air for larger collections.
  • Surgery in recurrent or severe cases.

Can an Air Bubble in an IV Hurt You?

Small air bubbles in an IV line are generally harmless. The body can absorb tiny amounts of air without issue.

However, larger volumes of air can be a concern. Health care providers are trained to ensure that IV lines are free of significant air bubbles before use to prevent potential complications.

What Happens if You Inject an Air Bubble Intramuscularly?

Injecting a small air bubble intramuscularly (into a muscle) is usually harmless. The muscle will generally absorb the air without causing problems.

However, it might cause a slight stinging sensation or a small lump under the skin, which usually resolves on its own. It’s always best to ensure injections are as air-free as possible to avoid complications.

How Much Air Does It Take to Cause an Air Embolism?

While even a small amount of air can theoretically lead to an embolism, the generally accepted potentially lethal volume when rapidly introduced is between 50-100 mL.

However, smaller volumes can still cause symptoms if they block blood flow to a vital organ.

What Happens if You Inject Air Into Your Veins?

Injecting air into your veins can lead to an air embolism. This can cause various symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe complications like heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory failure, depending on the volume of air and its location in the circulatory system.

Immediate medical attention is essential if a significant volume of air is suspected to have entered the veins.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the dangers and time-sensitive nature of air embolisms is crucial for both medical professionals and the general public.

Prompt intervention can make the difference between recovery and severe neurological damage or death.

By recognizing the risks and being prepared to act swiftly, potential tragedies can be averted.

John Landry, BS, RRT

Written by:

John Landry, BS, RRT

John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier and live a healthier life.

References

  • Gordy S, Rowell S. Vascular air embolism. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 2013
  • Alexander AM, Martin N. Arterial Gas Embolism. [Updated 2022 Apr 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
  • McCarthy CJ, Behravesh S, Naidu SG, Oklu R. Air Embolism: Practical Tips for Prevention and Treatment. J Clin Med. 2016.
  • Kerrigan MJ, Cooper JS. Venous Gas Embolism. [Updated 2022 Oct 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023

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