Acute pulmonary edema is an emergency condition caused by a sudden buildup of fluid in the lungs that can interfere with lung function. This condition must be treated immediately because it can cause respiratory failure that leads to death.
Risk Factors for Lung Edema
Not only related to heart problems, pulmonary edema can also arise due to several risk factors, including:
- Virus infection.
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Pulmonary embolism.
- Lung injury.
- Having an accident like drowning.
- Central is at an altitude (up to more than 2,400 meters above sea level).
- Having a head injury, seizures, or after brain surgery.
- Inhalation of smoke during a fire. Exposed to toxic ammonia and chlorine, which may occur during a train accident.
- Addicted to illegal drugs are stimulants.
Also read: This is the Difference between Lung Edema and Pneumonia
Causes of Lung Edema
Some causes of pulmonary edema, including:
- Coronary heart disease.
- Heart valve disease.
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome.
- Virus infection.
- Pulmonary embolism.
- Lung injury.
- Located at an altitude above 2,400 meters above sea level.
- Head injury, seizures, or after brain surgery.
- Inhale smoke during a fire.
- Exposed to ammonia and chlorine toxins.
- Addicted to illegal drugs is a type of stimulant.
Symptoms of Lung Edema
Some symptoms felt by people with pulmonary edema include:
- Hard to breathe.
- Easily tired.
- Coughing up blood.
- Chest pain which is also a symptom of a heart attack that must be treated immediately.
- Swelling in the body.
Also read: Frequently Affected by Fans Causing Lung Edema, Really?
Diagnosis of Lung Edema
The doctor will diagnose pulmonary edema by conducting a medical interview, physical examination, and supporting examination. Installation of pulse oximetry must be done immediately to measure oxygen levels in the sufferer’s blood quickly. Meanwhile, supporting examinations that must be carried out immediately include:
- Electrocardiography (ECG), to detect signs of a heart attack and problems with the heart rhythm.
- Chest X-ray, to make sure the person really has pulmonary edema, and see other possible causes of shortness of breath.
- Blood tests, to measure the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, measure levels of the hormone B-type natriuretic peptide(BNP) which increases in heart failure, as well as looking at thyroid and kidney function.
- Echocardiography, to determine the presence of problems with the heart muscle.
- Cardiac catheterization, which is performed if pulmonary edema is accompanied by chest pain, but no abnormalities are found on the ECG or echocardiography.
- Pulmonary artery catheterization, to measure pressure in the pulmonary blood vessels.
Complications of Lung Edema
Complications of untreated pulmonary edema include an increase in pressure in the right heart chamber that receives blood from the entire body, resulting in the right heart chamber failing to function and a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites), swelling in the legs, and swelling of the liver. .
Pulmonary Edema Treatment
Some of the steps that doctors will take to treat pulmonary edema include:
- Providing oxygen to overcome shortness of breath and must be done as soon as possible.
- Providing drugs to strengthen the heart if pulmonary edema is caused by failure of the heart to pump blood.
- Giving a vasodilator drug, which is useful for reducing the fluid that accumulates in the lungs.
- Installation of breathing aids supported by ventilator machines for people with respiratory failure.
Prevention of Lung Edema
Some steps that can be taken to prevent diseases that have the potential to cause pulmonary edema, include:
- Exercise for 30 minutes every day.
- Eat healthy foods that are high in fiber, but low in fat, sugar and salt.
- Maintain ideal body weight.
- Maintain blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels within normal limits.
- Avoid stress and smoking.
Also read: Is Lung Edema Contagious?
When to see a doctor?
Don’t ignore if you experience:
- Shortness of breath, especially if it happens suddenly.
- Difficulty breathing or feel suffocated (dyspnea).
- Wheezing sound when breathing.
- Phlegm is pink and foaming when coughing.
- Difficulty in breathing accompanied by excessive sweating.
- Bluish or grayish color to the skin.
- Significant decrease in blood pressure and cause dizziness, weakness or sweating.
- Severe symptoms associated with chronic pulmonary edema or sudden elevation.
