Pulmonary Edema: Symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention

1
Pulmonary Edema
2
Pulmonary Edema

• Edema is a condition characterized by
  accumulation of fluid in the cavities and tissues
  of the body. Pulmonary edema is a build-up of
  fluid in the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs. Air
  sacs are those parts of the lungs that are
  associated with absorption of oxygen from the
  inhaled air and release of carbon dioxide from
  the blood. So, fluid accumulation in these parts
  will hinder respiration and lead to trouble in
  breathing along with other symptoms. Without
  proper and timely medical attention, acute
  pulmonary edema can lead to complications that
  may sometimes result in death. Prevention of this
  condition may not be always possible. However,
  proper management of the underlying cause is the
  most practical thing to do, apart from switching
  to a healthy lifestyle.

3
Causes of pulmonary edema

• The most common cause for pulmonary edema is
  heart problems. The oxygenated blood from the
  alveoli reaches the left atrium of the heart
  through the pulmonary veins. From the left
  atrium, the blood passes to the left ventricle.
  When the left ventricle fails to pump out this
  blood to different parts of the body, the
  pressure inside the atrium, pulmonary vein and
  the blood capillaries inside the lungs increases.
  This pressure causes flow of serous fluid in the
  blood to the alveoli or air sacs, thereby
  impairing the respiration process.

4
Symptoms

• As the condition interferes with respiration,
  breathing trouble is the most common symptom of
  pulmonary edema. Apart from that, the affected
  person may develop 
• Frothy sputum tinged with blood
• Wheezing
• Excessive sweating
• Coughing up blood
• Pale skin
• Rapid heartbeat
• Some people develop the condition gradually, and
  in such cases, symptoms, like swollen ankles,
  frequent urination during the night, etc., may be
  seen. They may also experience difficulty in
  breathing while lying down and breathlessness
  during night-time.

5
Treatments

• The mode of treatment for pulmonary edema is
  decided mainly on the basis of the underlying
  cause and severity of the condition. The
  accumulated fluid may be sucked out of the lungs
  using tubes or through an open surgery.
  Medication, like diuretics and narcotics are
  often administered to relieve the symptoms. Steps
  will be taken to control the blood pressure too.
  Oxygen may be given through a facial mask or
  nasal tube, or with the help of machines.

6
How to Avoid Pulmonary Edema

• Treating the underlying cause There are certain
  medical conditions that can be considered as risk
  factors for pulmonary edema. Those with such
  medical conditions must make sure that they get
  proper treatment to cure or control the
  same.Maintain heart health As the main causes
  for pulmonary edema are heart problems, it is
  advisable to maintain the health of the organ in
  a proper way. Visit your doctor regularly, and
  adopt a healthy lifestyle.
• Control your blood pressure and blood cholesterol
  levels. Both the conditions carry the risk of
  cardiovascular diseases that could cause
  pulmonary edema. While a healthy lifestyle can
  help you to prevent these problems, medical
  treatment may be required to control the same.

7
How to Avoid Pulmonary Edema
Continue

• Have a balanced diet that is low in salt and fat.
  A diet that is rich in both is a definite cause
  for heart diseases in the long run. So, limit
  your intake to prevent such diseases and reduce
  the risk of pulmonary edema.
• Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in
  your diet.
• Exercise regularly for at least 30 to 60 minutes
  daily. Aerobic activities are said to be the best
  for heart health. Consult your doctor, and adopt
  an exercise regimen that is suitable for you.
• Maintain the ideal body weight.
  Being overweight is a risk factor for a host of
  medical conditions, including heart diseases
  and diabetes. So, it is highly necessary to
  maintain your ideal weight to prevent such
  medical conditions and the related complications.

8
How to Avoid Pulmonary Edema
Continue

• Minimize stress and anxiety. Whenever it comes to
  heart health, stress is one of those factors that
  are often discussed. High levels of stress are
  linked to various medical conditions. Avoid
  stress, or else indulge in stress-relief
  activities, like meditation. Make sure to get
  enough sleep and rest.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and illegal drugs.
  Smoking and excess alcohol intake is not
  considered good for the health of the heart as
  well as lungs. Illegal drugsmay sometimes cause
  adverse reactions, like pulmonary edema.
• Prevention of pulmonary edema may not be
  possible in some cases, but those in the
  high-risk group can try these precautionary
  measures.

9
How to Avoid Pulmonary Edema
Continue

• Otherwise too, a healthy lifestyle is
  considered as the most important factor for
  prevention of a host of medical conditions. If
  you happen to develop any of the symptoms
  mentioned above, contact your healthcare
  provider. Immediate medical attention must be
  sought in case of severe chest pain, excessive
  sweating, rapid heartbeat, pale skin,
  and breathing trouble.

10
CONNECT WITH US

• Logon to
• www.lazoi.com
• Like us on Facebook
• https//www.facebook.com/LazoiTheLife
• Follow us on Twitter
• https//www.twitter.com/lazoithelife
• Follow us on Pinterest
• https//www.in.pinterest.com/lazoithelife