Pulmonary edema is an abnormal build up of fluid in the air sacs of the lungs, which leads to shortness of breath
Alternative NamesLung congestion; Lung water; Pulmonary congestion
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsPulmonary edema is usually caused by heart failure. As the heart fails, pressure in the veins going through the lungs starts to rise.
As the heart fails, pressure in the veins going through the lungs starts to rise. As the pressure in these blood vessels increases, fluid is pushed into the air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs. This fluid interrupts normal oxygen movement through the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath.
Pulmonary edema may be caused by damage directly to the lung, such as that caused by poisonous gas or severe infection, as a side effect of medications, or the result of major trauma. Lung damage with a buildup of body fluid is also seen in kidney failure. Exercising at very high altitudes can also cause pulmonary edema
Pulmonary edema may also be a complication of a heart attack, leaking or narrowed heart valves (mitral or aortic valves), or any disease of the heart that results in weakening or stiffening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).
SymptomsAdditional symptoms that may be associated with this condition:
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and use a stethoscope to listen to the lungs and heart. The following may be detected:
Possible tests include:
Oxygen is given through a face mask or tiny plastic tubes (prongs) placed in the nose. A breathing tube may be placed into the windpipe (trachea). A breathing machine (ventilator) may be needed.
The cause of the edema should be rapidly identified and treated. For example, if a heart attack has caused the condition, the heart must be treated and stabilized.
Medicines called diuretics, which help the body remove excess fluids are almost always given. Medications to strengthen the heart muscle, control its rhythm, or to relieve pressure on the heart, may also be given.
Expectations (prognosis)Some patients may need to use a breathing machine for a long time, which may lead to damage to lung tissue.
Kidney failure and damage to other major organs may occur if blood and oxygen flow are not restored promptly. If not treated, this condition can be fatal.
ComplicationsSome patients may need to use a breathing machine for a long time. If not treated, this condition can be fatal.
Calling your health care providerGo to the emergency room or call 911 if you have breathing problems.
PreventionIf you have a disease that can lead to pulmonary edema or a weakened heart muscle, take all prescription medications as instructed. Following a healthy diet, one low in salt and fat, can significantly reduce the risk of developing this condition.
ReferencesHess OM, Carroll JD. Clinical assessment of heart failure. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa; Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 23.
Obrien JF, Falk JL. Heart Failure. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 79.
Irwin RS, Rippe JM. Management of advanced heart failure. In: Irwin RS, Rippe JM, eds. Irwin and Rippe's Intensive Care Medicine. 6th ed. Baltimore, Md; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:chap 33.
Pulmonary Edema is when liquids fill your lungs. It's caused by the left arterie failure.
Patients with pulmonary edema may undergo phlebotomy procedures to decrease their total blood volume.
pulmonary edema
Normally very little to no fluid enters the alveoli of the lungs. In pulmonary edema there is increased pressure in the pulmonary veins. So fluid escapes in the alveoli of the lungs, making transfer of the oxygen impossible from such alveoli. Patient feels suffocated and starve for oxygen, in pulmonary edema.
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High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a life-threatening form of non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs)...
Edema is the medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues. There are several types of edema, including peripheral edema (swelling in the extremities), pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs), cerebral edema (swelling in the brain), and macular edema (swelling in the retina of the eye). Each type of edema can have different causes and treatments, depending on the underlying condition.
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Pulmonary Edema is when liquids fill your lungs. It's caused by the left arterie failure.
Flash pulmonary edema is a rapid onset edema that occurs in the lungs. Typically it is precipitated by a myocardial infarction or heart failure. Pulmonary edema is treated by treating the underlying cause which is most commonly some form of heart failure.