PULMONARY EDEMA

 Basic information

description

Pulmonary edema is a condition of excess fluid (edema) in the lungs. Symptoms may begin suddenly or develop more slowly over weeks or months. The disorder more often affects middle-aged and elderly adults.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Shortness of breath. Rapid breathing. May have wheezing. Symptoms may be worse when lying down.
• Restlessness and anxiety.
• Paleness and sweating.
• Weakness and fatigue.
• Swollen feet and ankles.
• Cough. This may be unproductive at first, but later it can produce frothy, blood-stained sputum.
• Fever (sometimes).

causes

Lungs are normally air-filled. They take in oxygen and pass it on to the blood for transport to all cells in the body. When fluid builds up in the lungs, it interferes with oxygen intake. This can affect all body functions. Pulmonary edema can be caused by a number of different disorders, but heart disorders are the most likely.

risk increases with

• Heart disorders (e.g., heart failure or heart attack) can cause fluid to build up in veins in the lungs. Pressure causes the veins to leak excess fluid into the lungs.
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clot).
• Drug overdose (such as from heroin or narcotics).
• High altitude illness.
• Pneumothorax or pleural effusion.
• Brain injury.
• Near drowning.
• Kidney failure.
• Inhaled toxins (e.g., ammonia, chlorine, or smoke from a fire).
• Eclampsia in pregnant women.
• Aspirin overdose or chronic high dose use.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Get treatment for any illness or disease that could be a risk factor for pulmonary edema.

expected outcomes

In most cases, symptoms can be controlled with treatment. The underlying disease causing pulmonary edema may require lifelong treatment.

possible complications

Heart attack, heart rhythm problems, shock, adverse effect of drugs, or death (if treatment is delayed or unsuccessful).

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Medical tests may include blood studies, blood-oxygen levels, chest x-ray, pulmonary function studies, and heart function studies.
• Treatment is designed to reduce the excess fluid, improve lung and heart function, and treat any underlying disorder.
• Hospital care is almost always needed. Emergency treatment is often required.
• Hospital treatment may include supplemental oxygen, breathing support with a ventilator (breathing machine), fluids given through a vein (IV), drugs, and special diet. Patients are sometimes more comfortable sitting with legs dangling over the side of the bed.

medications

• Your health care provider may prescribe:
  • Narcotics to relieve anxiety, decrease blood flow to the lung, and reduce oxygen demand of the body.
  • Diuretics to help remove excess fluid from the bloodstream and the lungs.
  • Drugs such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, nitrates, calcium-channel blockers, digoxin, and others to reduce workload on the heart.
  • Drugs to treat any underlying disorder.

activity

• Rest in bed until symptoms get better. After treatment, resume your normal activities gradually. Walking is a good activity to help increase strength. Resume sexual relations when you have medical approval.
• Check weight daily to be aware of any fluid buildup.

diet

In the hospital, sodium and fluids are usually restricted. After recovery, a low-salt, low-fat diet and reduced fluid intake may be recommended.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of pulmonary edema that appear suddenly. This is an emergency! Call 911 first.
• Your weight increases 2 to 3 pounds in one day.

Special Notes: