What is pulmonary edema?
Pulmonary edema is the buildup of fluid in the lungs. It usually occurs when the heart does not pump blood through the body properly. Pulmonary edema can also be caused by another disease, such as liver or kidney failure. It can also happen at high altitudes, from a poisoning, or as a result of a nonfatal drowning.
If you have fluid in your lungs, you may have trouble breathing, be restless, have a fast heart rate, or cough up foamy pink fluid. Breathing problems may be worse when you lie down.
How is pulmonary edema treated?
The goal of treatment is to relieve the fluid buildup in your lungs and help you breathe more easily. The doctor may:
- Give you medicines to help relieve the fluid buildup.
- Give you oxygen through the nose or a face mask. You may need a breathing machine (ventilator) and have a breathing tube placed into your windpipe (intubation).
Your treatment also depends on what caused the edema. For example, you may also get medicines to help your heart pump blood more easily. You may get medicine through a vein (IV, or intravenously).
Pulmonary edema: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have severe trouble breathing.
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
- Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
- Sweating.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms.
- Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat. Pain that spreads from the chest to the neck, jaw, or one or both shoulders or arms.
After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength or 2 to 4 low-dose aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have trouble breathing or have wheezing that is getting worse.
- You are coughing more deeply or more often.
- You cough up blood.
- You get a fever.
- You have more swelling in your legs or belly.
- Your symptoms are getting worse.
Watch closely for changes in your health and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.