Overview

What is pulmonary edema?

Pulmonary edema means "an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lungs." Fluid accumulation in the lungs could result in shortness of breath, wheezing, tightness of the chest, coughing, foamy and loose mucus, and breathing problems. Pulmonary edema may be fatal, so treatment must begin right away.

What are the symptoms of pulmonary edema?

Two conditions, acute and chronic pulmonary edema, develop and occur in different ways. In acute cases, the symptoms and signs develop immediately, while they gradually develop in chronic conditions.

Acute pulmonary edema onset
Sudden pulmonary edema symptoms and signs include the following:
dyspnea, or breathlessness, particularly when trying to move or lying in bed
spitting out foamy mucus or blood
easy or rapid gasping for air
catching their breath
suffocating feeling
chest discomfort or pain.

While the signs and symptoms of acute pulmonary edema may be worse, long-term pulmonary edema could present similar signs and symptoms. Other signs of chronic pulmonary edema include:

Waking up with breathing that feels like it is very unpleasant.
Dyspnea in lying.
Leg swelling.
Fatigue

What causes pulmonary edema?

Pulmonary edema has several causes. Depending on where the problem begins, there are two different types of pulmonary edema.

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is pulmonary edema caused by heart disease. Heart disease is usually responsible for the collection of fluid within the lungs.
Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema is pulmonary edema that is not related to the heart.
Pulmonary edema, in some cases, can be caused by both cardiac and non-cardiac diseases.
Considering the interaction of the heart and lungs will lead to a better understanding of what might occur in pulmonary edema.

What are the diagnosis and tests for pulmonary edema?

The doctor will examine you physically to see if you have lung fluid. They will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs. You will be examined for:

Changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
increased breathing rate
irregular heartbeats
Your lungs may become noisy with popping, wheezing, or whistling sounds.
gray or blue skin
your body expanding

If the doctor suspects you have fluid in the lungs, they can recommend other tests. The one below is indicated:

CBC (complete blood count)
Compositions of blood
Pulse oximetry: you can calculate your level of blood oxygen.
Chest X-ray to check whether there is fluid in the lungs.
Cardiac ultrasonography, known as echocardiography, is used to diagnose abnormal heart functions.
EKG, short for electrocardiogram, is a test used to detect diseases such as heart attack and irregular heartbeat.
Catheterization of the heart: In this process, the coronary arteries are opened to find out if there are blockages.

What are the treatments for pulmonary edema?

Treatment of pulmonary edema should be prompt because the condition is lethal. Treatment of pulmonary edema includes the following:

Oxygen-

Air: Depending on the severity of the problem, oxygen may be the first line of treatment.

Your medical team may use a positive pressure mask, oxygen mask, or nasal cannula to provide 100% oxygen while supporting you.

Diuretics-

In less severe cases, it can be managed with diuretics, also called water tablets. It does not necessarily mean you must be hospitalized in a medical center. This can happen if you are diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

The treating doctor or nurse will treat the root disease that causes the condition and clarify what to expect and what to do about pulmonary edema.

The doctor can also prescribe the following based on your condition and the cause of pulmonary edema:

Reduce preload: These medications decrease the pressure fluid exerts on your lungs and heart when it reaches them. In addition to forcing you to urinate and flushing out the fluid, diuretics also reduce this pressure.
Afterload reducers: These medications widen your blood arteries to ease the cardiac strain.
- Heart medicines: They will minimize hypertension, regulate your heartbeat, and ease tension in your veins and arteries.
- Painkiller morphine: This medicine is given to the patient to alleviate anxiety and dyspnea. But since it poses dangers, nowadays, fewer doctors are prescribing morphine.

Critical or intensive care-

Pulmonary edema patients might require critical or acute care if it is acute.

In some instances, a different type of pulmonary edema will send you to the hospital so that you can breathe easier. To assist you in taking in more oxygen, a machine will compress your airways and provide you with oxygen.

Sometimes, a procedure called continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, also known as a mask or cannula, can be used to accomplish this. Or the doctor may require placing an endotracheal tube, also known as a breathing tube, down your neck and use mechanical ventilation.

What is HAPE?

High-altitude pulmonary edema, or HAPE, occurs when one is at a high altitude or rapidly ascends to a mountain. Because oxygen at higher altitudes is less available than on the plains, HAPE has been described as a severe form of altitude sickness or even mountain sickness.

Due to HAPE, you may feel weak, tired, throbbing, and breathless. It may trigger coughing and chest tightness. HAPE is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency. When you have HAPE, you have to descend right away and go to the doctor.

Can sudden death occur due to pulmonary edema?

If treatment of pulmonary edema is not given promptly for acute cases, it may become fatal.

LIVING WITH

What is the best way to avoid pulmonary edema?

You can take preventive measures against pulmonary edema if you have a higher chance of developing this disease. These stages include:

You can manage your situation if you have a cardiac condition. Those with cardiac conditions should strictly take their medication as prescribed.
Other preventive measures to be taken seriously include obtaining vaccines regularly.
You should see a doctor regularly since you are having trouble breathing.
Eat a well-balanced diet, low in salt.
Avoid the smoke of tobacco and fires.
Maintain your average weight.
If, for example, you would engage in mountain climbing that predisposes you to pulmonary edema, consult your doctor first.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Pulmonary Edema?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced team of Cardiologists, Cardiac Surgeons, and diagnostics with the latest and International standard infection control measures in Lucknow, India. The Cardiac Science Centre team has decades of experience in successfully treating Pulmonary Edema.