Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. It can be caused by many different factors and is potentially dangerous if not treated quickly. Despite the danger it poses, such as respiratory failure and subsequent death, the prognosis is generally good when treatment is started early. Most causes of pulmonary edema are related to some kind of heart problem, which makes it impossible for fluids to be removed by normal blood circulation, or are the result of lung trauma. The exact treatment for each case of pulmonary edema depends on its cause and will also focus on eliminating the underlying cause.
Shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms of pulmonary edema. This symptom can manifest itself in several ways. Some feel it as a sudden and complete inability to breathe in the middle of the night, and others feel breathless every time they go to bed. Others experience it constantly, accompanied by a persistent cough that can produce blood or pink mucus from the presence of red blood cells. Excessive sweating and anxiety are also frequently experienced by people with the condition.
It is usually obvious that emergency medical care is needed for this condition when it occurs. If treatment is not available or not sought, the body goes into a state of hypoxia. In a nutshell, this means the body can't get enough oxygen and can start to shut down its major systems. When this occurs, coma can quickly follow.
The early stages of treatment for pulmonary edema include the administration of oxygen and sometimes medications as well. One or more of several medications may be used, including opioids to relieve shortness of breath and aspirin to thin the blood, making it easier for the blood to deliver oxygen through small vessels. Blood pressure medications may also be given, if high or low blood pressure was a contributing factor.
Normally, heart conditions are at the root of pulmonary edema, except in cases like high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). This occurs when a climber ascends relatively quickly to a high altitude. Oxygen is usually the best on-site treatment, but rescue may be necessary in the most severe cases. In remote areas where immediate rescue is not an option, certain techniques have been developed to treat HAPE. These include placing the affected person inside an airtight hyperbaric bag, which is pressurized to mimic a lower altitude.