What condition is characterized by blockage in the pulmonary arteries often due to clots?

Pulmonary embolism is characterized by a blockage in the pulmonary arteries, which is commonly caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the veins in the legs or, less commonly, from other parts of the body. When a clot lodges in one of the pulmonary arteries, it can significantly hinder blood flow to lung tissue, which can lead to serious complications such as reduced oxygen levels in the bloodstream and even death if not treated promptly. Symptoms of pulmonary embolism may include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that may become worse upon deep breathing, and coughing up blood.

In contrast, deep vein thrombosis typically refers to the formation of a clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs, and while it can lead to pulmonary embolism, it does not itself involve the pulmonary arteries directly. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs and is unrelated to blood clots in the pulmonary arteries. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways and is characterized by reversible airway obstruction due to inflammation and bronchoconstriction, not by blockage of pulmonary arteries. Therefore, the precise definition of pulmonary embolism aligns with the description in the question.