In this article, Niketrainers.com.co will tell you:
What is pulmonary edema and what are its causes?
Alveoli are the parts of the lung where gas exchange takes place and are normally filled with air. Pulmonaryedemais when fluid builds up in the alveoli that prevents proper gas exchange. It is a state of imminent threat to life. The most common cause of pulmonary edema is acuteheart failure. In the course of acute heart failure, blood stagnates in the pulmonary circulation. In simplified terms, it can be said that a failing heart does not pump blood efficiently from the lungs, the blood accumulates in the blood vessels of the lungs, and then seeps into the lumen (inside) of the alveoli.
The most common causes of acute heart failure include:
- acute coronary syndrome and its complications,
- hypertensive crisis,
- Heart arythmia,
- advanced heart valve defects,
- exacerbation of chronic heart failure (e.g. in the course of an infection).
Pulmonary edema can also be caused by non-cardiac causes, such as:
- inhalation of toxic substances,
- pneumonia_
- stroke_
- flooding,
- choking,
- chest injuries,
- hyperhydration (too much fluid in the body),
- sepsis,
- pancreatitis,
- drugs (e.g. heroin).
Pulmonary edema also occurs in people staying at high altitudes (so-called high altitude pulmonary edema).
How common is pulmonary edema?
Pulmonary edema in previously healthy people is rare, it can occur as a symptom of, for example, acute coronary syndrome. In patients already diagnosed with heart disease, pulmonary edema is much more common.
How is pulmonary edema manifested?
The symptoms of pulmonary edema usually come on suddenly. The patient has severeshortnessof breath , may be accompanied bycyanosisof the mouth,coughingand coughing up of foamy pink-colored discharge. The patient is usually pale and sweaty, takes a sitting position in which he is best able to breathe, and may feel considerable anxiety. Breathing is fast and shallow, and can be described as “wheezing”. In addition, there may be symptoms of a disease that has led to pulmonary edema, suchas chest painor a feeling ofpalpitations.
When examining a patient with pulmonary edema, the doctor hears typical auscultation changes over the lungs. It can also find that your blood pressure is too high or too low, heart rhythm disturbances, and edema of the lower limbs (in people with an exacerbation of chronic heart failure).
What to do in case of symptoms of pulmonary edema?
In the event of severe dyspnea, an ambulance should be urgently called by dialing 999 or 112. The patient should be seated and provided with fresh air. For people who have used an oxygen concentrator for some reason, give oxygen. Until the arrival of the ambulance, someone should constantly observe the patient, so that in the event of symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest, he should immediately startcardiopulmonary resuscitation(indirect heart massage and rescue breaths).
How does a doctor make a diagnosis of pulmonary edema?
The doctor diagnoses pulmonary edema based on the history and the typical changes observed in the examination. No additional tests are needed to diagnose pulmonary edema. However, full diagnostics in a hospital setting is necessary to determine the cause of pulmonary edema. Usually, laboratory tests of blood, ECG,chest X-ray, UKG (heart echo) are performed. Depending on the suspected cause, the doctor determines whether it is necessary to perform any other additional tests.
What are the treatments for pulmonary edema?
Pulmonary edema is a medical emergency. Requires rapid implementation of intensive treatment. The patient is given high flow oxygen and intravenous diuretics. Depending on the blood pressure value, appropriate medications are given to stabilize it. Sometimes, despite the use of drugs, the patient’s condition does not improve and due to insufficient oxygenation of the blood, intubation (placing a plastic tube in the patient’s trachea to ensure the patency of the airway) and temporary respiratory support with a ventilator are necessary. It is also very important to treat the cause that led to pulmonary edema, such as infection,high blood pressure,heart attackor arrhythmias.
Is it possible to cure pulmonary edema completely?
Appropriate treatment usually relieves symptoms of pulmonary edema and is usually implemented quickly. However, it should be emphasized that pulmonary edema usually occurs in people burdened with numerous diseases (including heart diseases) and is an immediate life-threatening condition.
What should I do after treatment for pulmonary edema is completed?
A patient who has suffered pulmonary edema must be under the constant care of a family doctor and a cardiologist. Follow your doctor’s instructions for medication carefully and avoid infections. Annualfluvaccinations are also recommended.
How long can you survive with pulmonary edema?
The in-hospital death rate was 55% (12/22 patients) among the patients who required mechanical breathing. 12 percent of deaths occurred while patients were hospitalized (18 patients). The range of time from the onset of pulmonary edema until death was 1–40 days, with 5 days serving as the median.