DiagnosisBreathing problems require immediate diagnosis and treatment. A health care provider can base a diagnosis of pulmonary edema on the symptoms and the results of a physical exam and certain tests. Show
Once the condition is more stable, the provider can ask about medical history, especially a history of cardiovascular or lung disease. Tests that can help diagnose pulmonary edema or determine the reason for fluid in the lungs include:
TreatmentThe first treatment for acute pulmonary edema is oxygen. Oxygen flows through a face mask or a flexible plastic tube with two openings (nasal cannula) that deliver oxygen to each nostril. This should ease some symptoms. A health care provider monitors the oxygen level. Sometimes it may be necessary to assist breathing with a machine such as a mechanical ventilator or one that provides positive airway pressure. Depending on the severity of the condition and the reason for the pulmonary edema, treatment might include one or more of the following medications:
It is important to diagnosis and treat, if possible, any nervous system problems or causes of heart failure. Treating high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)Oxygen is the usually the first treatment. If oxygen isn't available, a portable hyperbaric chamber can imitate going down to a lower elevation until it's possible to move to a lower elevation. Treatments for high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) also include:
Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Lifestyle and home remediesLifestyle changes are an important part of heart health and can help with some forms of pulmonary edema.
Preparing for your appointmentIf you have pulmonary edema, you will likely first be seen by an emergency room doctor. If you think you have signs or symptoms of pulmonary edema, call 911 or emergency medical help rather than making an outpatient appointment. You may see several specialists while you're in the hospital. After you are stable, you may be referred to a doctor trained in heart conditions (cardiologist) or lung conditions (pulmonologist). What you can do
For pulmonary edema, some questions to ask include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions. What to expect from your doctorYour provider is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:
Which position is most appropriate for pulmonary edema?Our results show that the prone position may be a useful maneuver in treating patients with severe hypoxemia due to pulmonary edema. The presence of pulmonary edema, as in early ARDS and HPE predicts a beneficial effect of the prone position on gas exchange.
How do you manage a patient with pulmonary edema?The first treatment for acute pulmonary edema is oxygen. Oxygen flows through a face mask or a flexible plastic tube with two openings (nasal cannula) that deliver oxygen to each nostril. This should ease some symptoms.. Diuretics. ... . Blood pressure drugs. ... . Inotropes. ... . Morphine (MS Contin, Infumorph, others).. What is an acute pulmonary edema?Pulmonary edema is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs. This buildup of fluid leads to shortness of breath.
How do you treat flash pulmonary edema?Drug treatment for flash pulmonary edema includes furosemide, nitroglycerin, nitroprusside, morphine, and oxygen. Furosemide acts both as a vasodilator and diuretic. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that reduces preload and, at higher doses, can cause decreased afterload, improving cardiac output.
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