Pulmonary Edema: Causes and Treatment

An overabundance of fluid in the lungs is a serious condition known as pulmonary edema. 

Pulmonary edema causes major breathing impediments. It can be triggered by several medical and environmental factors, though it is commonly related to heart disease. It is a severe medical condition that must be addressed immediately.

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, we provide complete heart care and services for pulmonary edema. Here, we walk you through it means, treatment options, and next steps. 

What Causes Pulmonary Edema?

Pulmonary edema is also known as lung congestion, pulmonary congestion, or cardiogenic pulmonary edema (when heart disease is a contributing factor).

Pulmonary edema is most frequently caused by heart disorders, though the condition can arise from infections, physical injury, or exposure to certain toxins or pollutants. 

Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is a type of pulmonary edema that occurs when blood collects on the left side of the heart due to failure of the left heart ventricle to effectively transfer oxygenated blood. Cardiogenic pulmonary edema can also be caused by severely elevated blood pressure, weakened heart muscle, or heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is a serious risk factor for people with advanced chronic kidney disease.

Non-Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema occurs when internal chest pressure causes capillary ruptures, leading to blood filling the air sacs in the lungs. The causes include:

• Major physical trauma/injury
• Seizures
• Electrocution
• Inhalation of toxins
• Certain infections

Environmental factors are also thought to contribute to pulmonary edema. High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) occurs when people who have been conditioned to live in low altitudes travel to altitudes above approximately 8,000 feet. 

What Are the Symptoms of Pulmonary Edema?

Pulmonary edema can occur suddenly or gradually. The sudden onset of pulmonary edema is known as acute pulmonary edema.

Acute Pulmonary Edema Symptoms

• Breathing restrictions
• Drowning sensation
• Loose cough that produces froth that might be white or pink
• Heart palpitations
• Anxiety
• Wheezing
• Blue tint to the skin
• Mental confusion
• Dizziness
• Sweating

Chronic Pulmonary Edema Symptoms

• Unexplained weight gain
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Swollen feet and legs
• Fatigue
• Trouble breathing when lying down
• Dizziness 
• Sweating

Both acute and chronic pulmonary edema are potentially fatal. If you are struggling with the above symptoms, please seek immediate medical care. 

Pulmonary Edema Treatment

If your medical team suspects pulmonary edema after a physical exam, they might perform a series of tests. These diagnostic tests can include the following:

• Arterial blood gas test
• Chest X-ray
• Computerized tomography (CT) chest scan
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Lung ultrasound

Pulmonary edema treatment will first involve introducing oxygen to the lungs through a face mask, though a breathing machine might be necessary in severe cases.

Addressing the fundamental cause of pulmonary edema is critical for successful outcomes. The recommended treatments for cardiogenic pulmonary edema might involve the following procedures:

Administration of Medications

The medications most often used to treat pulmonary edema are:

• Diuretics: Medications that help flush sodium and excess fluid from the body and blood while lowering blood pressure.
• Vasodilators: Medications that expand the blood vessels.

Invasive Procedures

When heart disease or heart failure is the contributing cause of pulmonary edema, the following procedures might be appropriate:

• Coronary angioplasty: A procedure to open blocked arteries
• Left ventricular assist device implantation: A pump that facilitates blood flow from the left chamber of the heart to the rest of the body.
• Heart valve replacement: The replacement of a heart valve that either cannot close adequately or is too narrow.

If you are experiencing symptoms of pulmonary edema, please call 911 for immediate medical intervention. To schedule a consultation with our dedicated healthcare professionals, please contact our helpful representatives today.