Know about pulmonary edema symptoms, causes and treatments

 

Pulmonary edema is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (Shubhranshu, 2023). This buildup of fluid in the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs can interfere with the normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, making it difficult for a person to breathe effectively. This, in turn, results in two main issues: 

1. Insufficient oxygen supply to the bloodstream.
2. Inadequate removal of carbon dioxide from the body.

There are two primary types of pulmonary edema:

Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

This type of pulmonary edema is typically associated with heart problems. It occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, causing fluid to back up into the lungs (Dobbe et al., 2019). Common causes include congestive heart failure, heart attacks, and heart valve problems.

Non-Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema occurs due to factors other than heart-related issues (Siddiqi et al., 2014). This can include lung infections (like pneumonia), exposure to toxins or chemicals, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), and severe allergic reactions.

Let’s know about the causes before exploring pulmonary edema symptoms

Common triggers for pulmonary edema encompass conditions such as pneumonia, sepsis (a blood infection), exposure to specific chemicals, organ failure leading to fluid accumulation (e.g., congestive heart failure, kidney failure, or liver cirrhosis), near-drowning incidents, inflammatory responses, trauma, adverse reactions to certain medications, and overdoses of specific drugs, including opioids (Murray, 2011).

Pulmonary edema can also manifest as a component of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a severe lung inflammation that severely hampers breathing (Matthay et al., 2019). This condition can be induced by direct lung injuries, inflammation originating in other parts of the body, or other potential causes such as brain injuries (e.g., bleeding, stroke, head trauma, surgery, tumor, or seizures), exposure to high altitudes, and blood transfusions.

Apart from this, it can also be due to various heart-related problems like:

1. Hypertensive emergency

This refers to a serious elevation in blood pressure, imposing excessive stress on the heart.

2. Pericardial effusion with tamponade

This signifies an accumulation of fluid around the membrane encasing the heart, potentially impairing the heart's ability to pump effectively.

3. Severe arrhythmia

This may manifest as tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) or bradycardia (slow heartbeat), both of which can lead to compromised heart function.

4. Severe heart attack

This has the potential to harm the heart muscle, hindering its pumping capability.

5. Abnormal heart valve

This can disrupt the flow of blood out of the heart.

Pulmonary edema symptoms

Common pulmonary edema  symptoms include:

1. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

This is often the most prominent symptom. You may have difficulty breathing, feel like you can't catch your breath, or experience breathlessness even at rest.

2. Cough

A persistent cough, which may produce pink, frothy sputum (fluid), is a common symptom of pulmonary edema.

3. Rapid and Shallow Breathing (Tachypnea)

Your breathing rate may increase significantly as your body tries to compensate for the decreased oxygen exchange in the lungs (Malek and Soufi, 2020).

4. Wheezing or Gurgling Sounds

You may hear wheezing or gurgling sounds in the chest as you breathe. These sounds can be audible to others as well.

5. Anxiety or Restlessness

Feeling anxious, agitated, or restless can be a symptom of pulmonary edema due to discomfort and difficulty in breathing.

6. Cyanosis

This refers to a bluish tint to the lips, fingers, or toes, which indicates a lack of oxygen in the blood.

7. Chest Pain or Discomfort

Some individuals with pulmonary edema may experience chest pain or a feeling of pressure in the chest.

8. Cold, Clammy Skin

Your skin may become cold and clammy due to reduced circulation.

9. Elevated Heart Rate (Tachycardia)

Your heart rate may increase as your body tries to pump more blood to compensate for reduced oxygen levels.

10. Confusion or Impaired Thinking

In severe cases, pulmonary edema symptoms include reduced oxygen levels in the brain can lead to confusion or altered mental status.

It's important to note that pulmonary edema can be caused by various underlying medical conditions, including heart failure, lung infections, high blood pressure, kidney problems, and more. Therefore, the severity of pulmonary edema symptoms can vary depending on the cause and the extent of fluid buildup in the lungs.

If you or someone you know experiences pulmonary edema symptoms, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention, as it can be life-threatening. Prompt treatment is crucial to alleviate symptoms and address the underlying cause.

Let’s explore the treatment after knowing about pulmonary edema symptoms

The treatment of pulmonary edema typically involves a combination of medical interventions and lifestyle changes. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing pulmonary edema symptoms, as it can be life-threatening. Treatment may include:

1. Oxygen Therapy

Providing supplemental oxygen to improve oxygen levels in the blood and relieve breathing difficulties is often the first step in treatment (Maggiorini, 2010). Oxygen can be administered through a mask or nasal prongs.

2. Diuretics

Medications known as diuretics (water pills) may be prescribed to help the body eliminate excess fluid through urine. Common diuretics include furosemide (Lasix) and bumetanide (Bumex).

3. Medications

Other medications may be prescribed to address the underlying cause of pulmonary edema. For example, if it's due to high blood pressure, antihypertensive drugs may be recommended.

4. Positioning

Patients with pulmonary edema are often advised to sit or stand upright (if possible) to reduce the pressure on the lungs and improve breathing. This also help to deal with pulmonary edema symptoms.

5. Mechanical Ventilation

In severe cases, mechanical ventilation with a ventilator may be necessary to assist with breathing and oxygenation.

6. Treating the Underlying Cause

Identifying and treating the underlying cause of pulmonary edema is crucial. This may involve managing heart conditions, addressing infections, or making changes to medications. 

7. Lifestyle Changes

Patients are often advised to make lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of recurrent pulmonary edema. This can include managing chronic conditions, such as heart disease or high blood pressure, maintaining a low-salt diet, limiting fluid intake, and quitting smoking. This will help the patient to also get relief from pulmonary edema symptoms.

It's important to note that pulmonary edema can have various underlying causes, including heart failure, pneumonia, kidney problems, and more. Therefore, treatment plans may vary depending on the specific cause and severity of the condition. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice and treatment plan for the best outcome.

Reference list

Dobbe, L., Rahman, R., Elmassry, M., Paz, P. and Nugent, K., 2019. Cardiogenic pulmonary edema. The American Journal of the Medical Sciences, 358(6), pp.389-397.

Siddiqi, T.A., Hill, J., Huckleberry, Y. and Parthasarathy, S., 2014. Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema and life-threatening shock due to calcium channel blocker overdose: a case report and clinical review. Respiratory Care, 59(2), pp.e15-e21.

Murray, J.F., 2011. Pulmonary edema: pathophysiology and diagnosis. The International journal of tuberculosis and lung disease, 15(2), pp.155-160.

Matthay, M.A., Zemans, R.L., Zimmerman, G.A., Arabi, Y.M., Beitler, J.R., Mercat, A., Herridge, M., Randolph, A.G. and Calfee, C.S., 2019. Acute respiratory distress syndrome. Nature reviews Disease primers, 5(1), p.18.

Malek, R. and Soufi, S., 2020. Pulmonary edema.

Maggiorini, M., 2010. Prevention and treatment of high-altitude pulmonary edema. Progress in cardiovascular diseases, 52(6), pp.500-506.

Shubhranshu, 2023. Pulmonary edema: What is it and what to know? (no date) DocTube. Available at: https://doctube.com/watch/pulmonary-edema-what-is-it-and-what-to-know_sEglJOl1LftjE1x.html (Accessed: 20 September 2023).

 

What Causes Pulmonary Edema?

 

   

Pulmonary edema can be caused by various underlying conditions, with the most common being heart problems. Heart failure, where the heart cannot pump blood effectively, is a leading cause. Other causes include lung infections (such as pneumonia), high blood pressure, kidney problems, exposure to certain toxins or drugs, and severe allergic reactions. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause is essential in managing pulmonary edema.

 

 

What Are the Early Warning Signs of Pulmonary Edema?

 

   

Early warning signs of pulmonary edema may include increasing shortness of breath, especially when lying down, persistent coughing with pink, frothy sputum, and a feeling of anxiety or restlessness. These symptoms should not be ignored and require immediate medical attention.