What Causes Pulmonary Edema?

Discussion Pulmonary edema is a potentially life threatening condition due to accumulation of excess fluid in the alveolar spaces and walls of the lung. Patients show increased respiratory effort or distress (e.g. tachypnea, dyspnea or difficulty talking, use of excessory muscles, nasal flaring, tracheal tugging, etc.) and clinicians should beware signs of tiring (e.g. bradypnea and decreased effort) as the patient may be failing. Patients may have rales or rhonchi on pulmonary examination, and pallor or color changes may be noted. Blood gas analysis shows evidence of hypoxemia and often hypercapnia depending on the severity and underlying cause. As with most diseases and problems, treating the underlying cause is fundamental. In addition, ventilatory management (including potential ventilatory pressure) to maintain adequate gas exchange is key. Providing supplemental oxygen is primary for most situations. Newborns with ductal dependent lesions, and hyperoxia-induced pulmonary vasodilatation would be a two of exceptions. Oxygen should be administered in the least invasive and comfortable manner that supplies the necessary oxygen. Other methods to potentially improve gas exchange can include emptying the stomach or elevating the head of the bed or placing the patient in another position (e.g. prone). An overview of croup can be found here. Learning Point Pulmonary edema is usually divided into two types: cardiogenic pulmonary edema, or non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Cardioge...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news