Pulmonary edema (patient information)

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Pulmonary edema

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Pulmonary edema?

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

Pulmonary edema On the Web

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Pulmonary edema in the news

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Directions to Hospitals Treating Pulmonary edema

Risk calculators and risk factors for Pulmonary edema

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Farnaz Khalighinejad, MD [2]

Overview

Pulmonary edema is an abnormal build up of fluid in the air sacs of the lungs, which leads to shortness of breath.

What are the symptoms of Pulmonary edema?

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this condition:

What causes Pulmonary edema?

Pulmonary edema is usually caused by heart failure.

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).

Diagnosis

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:

When to seek urgent medical care?

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have breathing problems.

Treatment options

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.

Water pills (diuretics) such as furosemide (Lasix) may be given to help excess water leave the body. Medications to strengthen the heart muscle, control its rhythm, or to relieve pressure on the heart, may also be given.

Medications to avoid

Patients diagnosed with Pulmonary edema should avoid using the following medications:

  • Mannitol
    If you have been diagnosed with Pulmonary edema, consult your physician before starting or stopping any of these medications.


Where to find medical care for Pulmonary edema?

Directions to Hospitals Treating Pulmonary edema

What to expect (Outlook/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.

Possible complications

Some patients may need to use a breathing machine for a long time. If not treated, this condition can be fatal.

Sources

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000140.htm

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