What condition is described by blockage of an artery in the lungs?

The condition characterized by the blockage of an artery in the lungs is known as a pulmonary embolus. This occurs when a blood clot, or other material, travels to the pulmonary arteries and obstructs blood flow, which can lead to significant complications, including reduced oxygenation of blood and increased strain on the heart.

Pulmonary embolism often arises from clots that originate in the deep veins of the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis, making it a serious cardiovascular event. The symptoms of a pulmonary embolus can include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing, which differentiate it from other respiratory conditions.

In contrast, some other options involve different pathological processes: deep vein thrombosis primarily refers to clot formation in the veins, pneumonia is an infection of the lungs leading to inflammation, and asthma involves airway constriction that affects breathing but does not refer specifically to an artery blockage. Therefore, the features unique to a pulmonary embolus emphasize its role in arterial blockage in the lungs.