Pulmonary edema

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Lungs

Pulmonary edema

Alternative Names:

Lung/pulmonary congestion; Lung water
Treatment:

Oxygen is given via nasal prongs or a face mask. Intubation (breathing tube placed into the windpipe) and use of a breathing machine (ventilator) may be needed.

Underlying causes must be rapidly identified and treated. For example, if a heart attack has caused the condition, the heart must be treated and stabilized.

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Medications to accelerate water excretion from the body via the urine (diuretics) are given. One common diuretic is furosemide (Lasix). Other medications to strengthen the heart muscle or to relieve the pressure on the heart may also be given as needed.

Expectations (prognosis):

Although pulmonary edema can be a life-threatening condition, it is often readily treatable. Prognosis, however, depends upon the underlying disease.

Complications:

The patient may require long-term dependence on a breathing machine (ventilator).

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if conditions suggesting pulmonary edema occur, particularly if breathing is difficult.