What is pulmonary edema?

Pulmonary edema is the buildup of fluid in the lungs. It usually happens when the heart does not pump blood through the body as well as it should. Blood can back up into the blood vessels that carry blood from the lungs to the heart. Blood pressure rises in those blood vessels, and fluid is pushed into the lungs. This makes it hard to breathe. Other symptoms include a new irregular or rapid heartbeat and coughing up foamy, pink mucus.

Pulmonary edema can also be caused by another disease, such as liver or kidney failure. It can also happen at high altitudes, from a poisoning, or by a nonfatal drowning.

A chest X-ray and a blood test are often used to identify this condition.

Pulmonary edema is serious. You may need special care, such as being in the intensive care unit (ICU). This may worry you. But the hospital staff understands this. They will explain what happens and will answer your questions.

The goal of treatment is to relieve the fluid buildup in your lungs and help you breathe more easily. The doctor may:

• Give you medicines to help relieve the fluid buildup.
• Give you oxygen through the nose or a face mask. You may need a breathing machine (ventilator) and have a breathing tube placed into your windpipe (intubation).

Your treatment also depends on what caused the edema. For example, you may also get medicines to help your heart pump blood more easily. You may get medicine through a vein (I.V., or intravenously).

Medicines

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Review all of your regular medicines with your doctor. Do not take any vitamins, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal products without talking to your doctor first.

Diet

• Eat a balanced diet. Make an appointment with a dietitian if you have questions about what type of diet might be best for you.
• Do not eat more than 2,000 milligrams (mg) of sodium each day. That is less than 1 teaspoon of salt a day, including all the salt you eat in prepared or packaged foods.
  • Do not add salt while you are cooking or at the table. Flavor with garlic, lemon juice, onion, vinegar, herbs, and spices instead of salt.
  • Eat fewer processed foods and foods from restaurants, including fast food.
  • Use fresh or frozen foods instead of canned.
  • Count and record how much sodium you eat each day. Check food labels for sodium.
  • Ask your doctor before using salt substitutes that have potassium, such as Lite Salt.

Lifestyle

• Stay out of air pollution; smog; cold, dry air; hot, humid air; and high altitudes.
• Learn breathing methods that help the airflow in and out of your lungs.
• Take rest breaks often. Schedule short rest breaks when doing housework and other activities. An occupational or physical therapist can help you find ways to do everyday activities with less effort.
• Start light exercise if your doctor says it is okay. Try to stay as active as possible. If you have not exercised in the past, start out slowly. Walking is a good way to start.
• Get enough rest at night. Sleeping with 1 or 2 pillows under your upper body and head may help you breathe easier at night.
• Discuss rehabilitation with your doctor. Find out what programs are available in your area.
• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking can make your condition worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Do not use alcohol or illegal drugs.