Pulmonary Edema Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Acute pulmonary edema is a condition where fluid buildup in the lungs occurs suddenly. This can cause disruption of lung function, can even cause respiratory failure. Therefore pulmonary edema can be classified as a medical emergency condition that requires immediate treatment because it threatens the life of the sufferer.
In cases of acute pulmonary edema that lasts for a long time, sufferers will feel short of breath, especially when doing physical activity. When exhausted, it is not uncommon for sufferers to make wheezing sounds (breath congestion).
Symptom
There are several things that can be seen as symptoms of acute pulmonary edema. Patients who experience pulmonary edema will usually complain of shortness of breath and also complain of being tired more easily. A person with pulmonary edema can also experience coughing up blood.
Apart from that, complaints of chest pain can also occur, which is a sign of a heart attack that requires immediate treatment. In cases of pulmonary edema due to excess fluid, swelling can also be found in the body.
Reason
The most common cause of acute pulmonary edema is failure of the heart to pump blood. As a result, blood will return to the lungs and cause complaints of shortness of breath.
In addition, giving excessive fluid to patients can also cause pulmonary edema. This is especially common in people with heart problems and kidney problems.
Diagnosis
Determination of the diagnosis of pulmonary edema can be done through medical interviews and physical examination. Someone who has pulmonary edema will usually complain of feeling short of breath which is getting worse and worse. On physical examination it will usually be seen that the patient is breathing with a hasty rhythm.
Examination of chest x-rays and heart records is also commonly performed as a follow-up examination to diagnose pulmonary edema. In addition, laboratory tests are also needed to see if there are kidney, liver, or heart disorders.
Treatment
Acute pulmonary edema is usually treated by treating the underlying disease causing the pulmonary edema. Giving oxygen is the first step that is needed by those who have experienced shortness of breath.
If the cause of pulmonary edema comes from heart failure to pump blood, then administration of drugs to strengthen the heart can be done. Usually, the doctor will consider administering vasodilator drugs, such as nitrates and diuretics.
If the patient is already in a more severe condition and does not respond well to drug administration, then the use of a ventilator may be needed. In more severe conditions, the patient may experience respiratory failure and require insertion of a breathing tube accompanied by support for breathing assistance through a ventilator.
Prevention
Acute pulmonary edema can be prevented by treating the disease that causes pulmonary edema. A person with heart failure or kidney failure needs to closely monitor the amount of fluid taken in and out. In general, there is advice that is often given as a preventive measure, namely to avoid giving excessive fluids to the elderly population.