In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Pulmonary edema is a life-threatening phenomenon. It is a build-up of fluid in the lungs and makes it hard to breathe. People after a heart attack or with heart disease are at risk. What are the causes and symptoms of pulmonary edema?
Pulmonary edema – causes
Pulmonary edema occurs when the left ventricle cannot keep pumping blood. Fluid is rushing into the lungs. The patient has breathing problems.
The main cause of pulmonary edema is left ventricular failure. It can be caused by a previous heart attack, arrhythmias, sudden increases or decreases in blood pressure, or chronic heart failure. Rare causes are external factors, such as fumes from toxic chemicals.
Pulmonary edema – symptoms
A person with pulmonary edema behaves characteristically. In addition to having trouble catching your breath, hearing gurgling sounds (fluid in the lungs) is often so loud that you don’t need a stethoscope. In addition, it occurs:
- nervousness,
- cold sweats
- paleness,
- bruises on the face,
- cough.
When we see a person with symptoms of pulmonary edema, we should call an ambulance as soon as possible. In this situation, every second counts, because if the attack lasts too long, it can lead to death. Until the arrival of the ambulance, the patient should not be standing or lying down. The sitting position is the most appropriate. When swelling occurs in the home, windows need to be opened to create airflow. If the sick person is outside, we should provide him with access to fresh air, i.e. prevent him from being surrounded by too many people.
Pulmonary edema – treatment
When the ambulance arrives, the paramedic gives oxygen and makes an intravenous line to administer diuretics. They will speed up the process of getting rid of fluids. Transportation to hospital and patient monitoring are essential. The sick person is connected to a respirator so that his body can rest after the attack.
Tests such as ECG, heart echo, lung X-ray, blood test, and gasometry are performed to determine the cause.
During further hospitalization, the patient is treated for the condition that caused the swelling. Drug treatment is applied. If the cause was too low blood pressure, drugs are administered to increase it. In a situation where the cause was too high blood pressure – vasodilating drugs. In the case of cardiac arrhythmias, anti-arrhythmic drugs are used appropriately or cardioversion is performed.
Surgical treatment is not used. Surgical intervention is undertaken only to eliminate the disease causing the swelling.
- Find out how to recognize edema of kidney origin
Edema alone cannot be prevented. However, it is worth informing people from the environment (family, friends) about your diseases and possible edema. This can speed up the reaction in the event of an attack and even save a life.
In addition, the patient should be under constant medical care and treat all colds and infections on an ongoing basis. During heart disease, an inconspicuous cold can cause pulmonary edema. Therefore, it is up to the patient to take care of their health and safety.
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.