Pulmonary edema therapy. Pulmonary edema is a fatal complication

It can happen suddenly and at any time of the day, but most often it chooses the predawn hour. It occurs against the background of various diseases, lasts from several minutes to five hours and leads to the most severe consequences. And this pulmonary edema is the cause of death for many patients. Why does this condition develop, is it possible to save a person’s life and how?

Whydoes the attack end in death?

Typically, such swelling does not develop on its own, but is a symptom or complication of another serious illness. In simple terms, the cause of death due to pulmonary edema is that instead of the required oxygen, fluid collects in them. Where does it come from? It enters the lungs due to a disruption in the normal circulation of blood and lymph, in which blood serum penetrates into the lung tissue and prevents the free passage of air.

Since the lungs are “clogged” with fluid, they cease to perform their functions - saturate the blood with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. The organs and tissues of the body lack air; they experience severe oxygen starvation due to the presence of carbon dioxide.

The patient begins to choke. His condition is deteriorating so rapidly that doctors often do not have time to provide specialized medical care. The risk of death of a patient during an acute attack of pulmonary edema is extremely high. It is enough to cite the following sad statistics: with the alveolar variety, the probability of death is 30-50%, and if this condition occurs during myocardial infarction - up to 90%. However, treatment of this condition in the early stages is accompanied by a favorable prognosis.

Whythis happens: reasons

If we talk about such a dangerous symptom as pulmonary edema, then it should be noted that the causes and consequences of this pathology are inextricably linked with each other. So, what usually causes such a complication? It can be called:

• pneumonia;
• sepsis;
• bronchitis;
• pneumothorax (air in the pleural cavity);
• CVS pathologies;
• severe vasospasm;
• blockage of blood vessels with fatty fractions, air bubbles;
• tumors of lymphatic vessels;
• blood stagnation in the right circle with asthma, emphysema;
• cranial trauma;
• intracerebral hemorrhages;
• encephalitis;
• meningitis;
• neoplasms in the head;
• chest injuries;

• allergic reaction (anaphylaxis);
• insulin shock;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• kidney disease, in which protein in the blood decreases;
• thrombophlebitis, varicose veins and pulmonary embolism caused by these ailments;
• gastric aspiration;
• overdose of certain drugs (NSAIDs, cytostatics);
• inhalation of toxic fumes;
• radiation damage to the lungs;
• acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis;
• excessive consumption of alcohol or poisoning with surrogate alcohol;
• reflux of gastric secretions or vomit into the lungs;
• drug use;
• staying at high altitude.

Pulmonary edema often occurs in older people. Among the most common causes in this category are reduced immunity, limited mobility, accumulation of toxins, deterioration of blood supply, tissue damage, heart disease, and varicose veins. In addition, pulmonary edema often develops in bedridden patients as a consequence of congestive pneumonia.

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There are two types of pulmonary edema:

• cardiogenic. Associated with acute left ventricular failure. Occurs during a heart attack, angina pectoris, and other cardiac pathologies;
• non-cardiogenic. It develops due to increased vascular permeability and filtration of fluid through the walls of the capillaries of the lungs.

Toxic edema is separately distinguished

Whatwill it be after?

Even if doctors manage to stop the attack, the consequences of swelling can be very unpleasant. Thus, disorders of mental activity and memory, and autonomic disorders are often observed on the part of the nervous system. The respiratory system suffers. After some time, congestive pneumonia, pneumofibrosis, and atelectasis may occur (a pathology in which the lung tissue loses its airiness, collapses and significantly decreases in size).

An equally serious consequence of edema is cardiosclerosis, heart failure, and ischemic lesions of various organs. It is they who lead to the fact that almost half of the patients who survive the edema die within one year after the attack.

Whatwhat to do for pulmonary edema?

Many people have no idea what to do in such a situation. Emergency care for pulmonary edema is carried out as follows:

• give the person a semi-sitting position. Ensure free flow of air (unbutton your shirt collar, remove tight clothing);
• remove foam from the upper respiratory tract;
• put nitroglycerin under his tongue. If this does not improve his condition, then the next tablet can be given after 10 minutes;
• moisten a piece of gauze with 90% alcohol and let it breathe;
• Apply moderately tight venous tourniquets to the arms and legs for 30 minutes. (if the person does not have thrombophlebitis);
• once every 30 min. give essential valerian drops (20 drops diluted with water);
• when the person feels a little better, you can give him something to cough up (but not an emetic!);
• put the cans on your back, warm your limbs with mustard plasters.

Emergencyhelp from specialists

When the medical team arrives, they will inject the patient with camphor, cardiac glycosides, furosemide and put on an oxygen mask. To quickly reduce pressure in the pulmonary circulation, bloodletting is used. But it is prohibited to use it in case of low blood pressure or heart attack.

One of the most effective medications for relieving edema is morphine (if the edema is not caused by a cerebrovascular accident). In order to normalize intravascular pressure, Furosemide and Lasix are administered intravenously. Heparin is used to restore pulmonary blood flow. Cardiogenic edema requires cardiac medications, and neurocardiogenic edema requires glucocorticoids.

Pulmonary edema is a serious complication of many cardiovascular and other diseases. This is a clinical syndrome that develops due to the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli and interstitial tissue. Fluid in the lungs leads to edema, which causes disruption of gas exchange and oxygen starvation of tissues. The functioning of the entire body depends on the condition of the lungs. This pathology requires treatment in a hospital setting.

Lung structure

Oxygen is required to maintain the function of all organs and systems. Gas exchange occurs in the lung tissue. This is a vital organ that is located in the chest cavity and is covered with layers of pleura. Each lung is formed by lobes, segments and lobules. This organ is very well supplied with blood.

Each lung is an organ shaped like a slightly flattened semi-cone with a wider base (basis) and a rounded apex (apex). Each lung is covered with its own membrane - the pulmonary (visceral) pleura, and the lungs are separated from the chest by the parietal (parietal) pleura, which serves as the internal covering of the chest cavity. Both the pulmonary and parietal pleura contain glandular cells that produce a special pleural fluid. This fluid is located between these two pleural membranes (sheets) and “lubricates” them, making breathing movements possible. These membranes make up the pleural sac. The space between the layers is called the pleural cavity.

The lungs in the pleural sacs are separated from each other by the mediastinum, between them are the heart and large vessels.

Interstitial tissue of the lungs forms a continuous functional and supporting tissue system, consisting of various forms of connective tissue and containing elastic fibers, in places also smooth muscles. It is located in two places. On the one hand, it represents an integral component of intrapulmonary formations or belongs to these formations, the other part of it belongs to the pleura and forms with it in some respect one structural and functional unit.

Each lung is divided into lobes and segments. The segments that make up the pulmonary lobes are penetrated by bronchi, through which air enters from the external environment.

The bronchial tree is a kind of branched tubular ventilation system of the body, starting in the trachea and ending in the alveoli. Alveoli are tiny thin-walled balls with air inside. They are located at the end of the thinnest respiratory canal and together make up the alveolar sac. It is in this area of ​​the lungs that gas exchange occurs. The alveolar wall is a single-layer cell membrane wrapped in a tissue layer, the functions of which are to support the cells and separate them from the alveoli.

Pathogenesis of the disease

Carrying out the process of gas exchange between tissues and blood through the alveolar-capillary membrane is the main function of the lungs.

Due to the difference in partial pressure, constant gas exchange occurs between the circulatory system and the human lungs. Under unfavorable conditions, hypoproteinemia occurs in the blood vessels of the lungs - a lack of protein in the blood, and too much pressure occurs. The alveoli lose their ability to hold plasma, the liquid part of the blood. The alveolar-capillary barrier does not work.

Transudation develops - the accumulation of blood plasma fluid. The pulmonary capillaries become overfilled with fluid, which, under unfavorable conditions, leaves the bloodstream. Pulmonary failure develops. The alveoli are no longer filled with air, and hoarse sounds are heard from the chest. There is a low level of oxygen in the blood.

Development of edema in adults and children

Edema is most often caused by increased vascular permeability and the release of plasma into the intercellular space.

Division by origin

There are two forms of edema: cardiac and non-cardiogenic.

In the first case, the cause is cardiovascular disease. Sometimes a mixed form develops.

Non-cardiogenic edema is divided into the following types:

• toxic;
• renal;
• neurogenic.

Separation according to the nature of the flow

Symptoms may come on quickly or slowly. According to the nature of the course, fulminant, acute, subacute and prolonged edema are distinguished. The latter often occurs hidden. There may be no symptoms.

• The lightning-fast form is the most dangerous. It often causes death. In this case, swelling develops in a matter of minutes. Any delay can cause a person's death.
• The acute form lasts up to 4 hours. It is a complication of myocardial infarction and traumatic brain injury.
• Subacute edema has a wave-like course. Most often it develops against the background of body poisoning and kidney failure.
• Prolonged swelling continues throughout the day. It proceeds most favorably.

Separation by pathogenesis

There are also hydrostatic and membranous forms. The difference lies in pathogenesis.

The development of the hydrostatic form is based on the following processes:

1. release of fluid from vessels, increase in hydrostatic pressure;
2. filling of the alveoli with fluid, decreasing oncotic pressure.

• At the initial stage of development of this pathology, plasma leaves the vessels. In this case, filtration exceeds reabsorption (reverse absorption). It leads to . Otherwise this stage is called cardiac asthma.
• Gradually, the transudate fills the alveoli. It mixes with air to form foam. This leads to disruption of normal gas exchange. This stage is called alveolar edema. The level of oxygen in the blood decreases, which leads to a decrease in pressure in the chest cavity and increased blood flow to the heart. Blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation increases, which further aggravates the situation.

With membranous edema, the release of fluid is associated with damage to the inner wall of blood vessels by toxins.

Toxic (membranous) edema is the most severe form of pathology. Acute inhalation damage to the paired respiratory organ occurs due to cell damage by toxins. As a complication of various diseases, pathological fluid appears in the lungs.

Reasons for the development of edema

Etiological factors are determined by the form of this pathology.

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema

Develops against the background of the following diseases:

• acute myocardial infarction;
• cardiosclerosis;
• infective endocarditis;
• inflammation of the aorta;
• acute and chronic heart failure;
• cardiomyopathy;
• myocarditis;
• developmental defects;
• severe atherosclerosis;
• tumors (myxomas);
• cardiac tamponade;
• narrowing of the mitral valve.

Developmental defects are common causes. They can be congenital or acquired. The most important are insufficiency and stenosis (narrowing) of the heart valves. The development of edema is possible with aortic aneurysm and Eisenmenger syndrome.

Acute and chronic heart diseases are characterized by disruption of the left side and congestion in the pulmonary circulation. This leads to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries and veins, causing plasma leakage and edema.

A common cause of this emergency condition is thromboembolism. In this case, a clot that breaks away from the wall clogs the vessel. Initially, it can be located in any part of the body. This is often observed in people suffering from varicose veins and thrombophlebitis of the deep veins of the lower extremities.

Considering the duration of the disease, the following types of symptom complex are distinguished:

1. When CHF (chronic heart failure) develops, prolonged pulmonary edema gradually and slowly develops. At first, only physical activity causes characteristic mild symptoms. In this situation, there is a real opportunity to save the patient’s life if adequate measures are taken in time.
2. In severe cardiac pathology, a fulminant form of the symptom complex is often observed. The severe symptoms of the disease increase unexpectedly and rapidly, so it is often impossible to save the patient’s life in this situation.

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema

Reasons for development:

• chronic respiratory diseases;
• lobar pneumonia;
• tuberculosis;
• Chronical bronchitis;
• asthma;
• tumors;
• actinomycosis;
• pulmonary heart;
• emphysema;
• pneumofibrosis.

Other causes include diseases that cause low protein levels in the blood. These may include cirrhosis and kidney failure.

Swelling of the lung tissue may be a consequence of poisoning. This occurs when vapors of toxic substances enter the respiratory tract. Edema often develops in drug addicts. Less commonly, causes include chest trauma, exposure to radiation, and increased blood volume due to inadequate fluid resuscitation.

Causes of acute pulmonary failure

• severe type of cirrhosis;
• various brain injuries and diseases;
• due to serious injuries to the chest and lungs, vital organs are damaged;
• exposure to ionizing radiation;
• excessive physical activity;
• renal failure;
• operations with artificial circulation;
• decompensated heart diseases;
• pneumothorax;
• sepsis - blood poisoning;
• arterial hypertension;
• inhalation of toxic gases;
• pulmonary artery embolism;
• excessive doses of certain medications;
• complication of the underlying disease;
• drug overdose;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• pneumonia;
• severe asthmatic attack;
• drug poisoning due to overdose;
• inflammatory lung diseases;
• performing electrical cardioversion;
• infections, severe poisoning;
• drowning;
• pulmonary artery blockage;
• neurosurgical operations;
• anaphylactic shock;
• malignant neoplasms;
• eclampsia in pregnant women;
• general anesthesia;
• being in the highlands.

In children, as a rule, there is a simultaneous impact of several factors.

The development of edema can be a complication of viral and bacterial diseases (ARVI, influenza, whooping cough). Edema as a result of asphyxia is separately highlighted. This is observed when foreign objects, water or vomit enter the trachea or bronchi. Sometimes the cause of this pathology is drug poisoning (barbiturates). In some cases, allergic edema develops.

Symptoms of edema

The clinical picture of this condition is determined by the stage of edema. Symptoms are not always pronounced. Interstitial edema is characterized by the following symptoms:

• difficulty breathing;
• rapid breathing;
• increased sweating;
• weakness;
• dry cough;
• anxiety;
• rapid heartbeat.

The complaints are gradually increasing. A sick person has difficulty breathing. The reason is lack of oxygen. This is manifested by inspiratory shortness of breath. It occurs both at rest and during physical activity. Shortness of breath is often combined with a cough. It is unproductive and paroxysmal. In order to ease their well-being, patients take a forced sitting position with their legs dangling.

In subacute and prolonged forms of edema, prodromal phenomena are often observed in the form of headache, rapid breathing, dizziness and a feeling of tightness in the chest. develops at any time of the day. Most often the attack occurs in the morning. Triggering factors include hypothermia, stress, and physical work.

In interstitial pulmonary edema, symptoms include acrocyanosis. Fingertips and lips turn blue. Sometimes exophthalmos is observed. It manifests itself as protruding eyes. Patients are excited and concerned about their condition. Physical examination reveals frequent (40-60 per minute) breathing and increased pressure. On auscultation, moist rales are heard.

Symptoms largely depend on the underlying cause of the swelling.

With heart disease, chest pain is often bothersome. All symptoms are increasing. At the stage of alveolar edema, patients complain of a cough with foamy sputum, difficulty breathing, and a feeling of fear. Upon examination, bulging veins of the neck are revealed. The skin is pale with a bluish tint. Breathing becomes whistling and bubbling. Some patients lose consciousness.

In severe cases, suffocation develops. Shortness of breath gets worse. All these symptoms indicate the development of acute pulmonary failure. There is confusion in the form of stupor or lethargy. The pressure decreases and the pulse becomes thready.

In pulmonary edema, the cause of death is asphyxia.

Toxic and allergic edema

Sometimes pulmonary edema is caused by intoxication of the body. There are 5 periods of development of this pathology:

• reflex disorders;
• hidden;
• height;
• completion;
• reverse development.

At the first stage, symptoms such as cough, watery eyes, and sore throat occur. Already at this stage, breathing may stop. Then a period of temporary prosperity develops. It lasts up to a day. The heart rate decreases at this stage of edema development. The peak period is characterized by a slow increase in symptoms.

Patients are bothered by a cough. Neutrophilia is detected in the blood. Body temperature often rises. The completion period is characterized by acrocyanosis, foamy sputum mixed with blood, cough, collapse (drop in blood pressure), noisy and rapid breathing. With a toxic form of edema, blood thickening often occurs. This can cause thrombosis and embolism.

The resolution period begins after proper care has been provided to the patient. People with hypersensitivity often develop allergic swelling. Causes may include insect bites (bees, spiders) and medications. This pathology develops very quickly. Symptoms include a burning sensation in the tongue, itching, chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, and cyanosis of the skin. Sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea occur. Convulsions are possible.

Negative consequences and complications

Pulmonary edema requires immediate attention. If it is not provided, the following complications may develop:

• cardiogenic shock;
• asphyxia;
• acute respiratory failure;
• pneumonia;
• encephalopathy;
• asystole (cardiac arrest);
• heart attack;
• collapse.

The death of patients is most often due to asphyxia. This is a condition in which a person cannot breathe. Asphyxia is caused by blockage of the alveoli and respiratory tract by the resulting foam. If more than 100 ml of plasma penetrates through the vessels into the lungs, this can lead to suffocation. If the edema is caused by acute cardiac pathology, then there is a risk of asystole. This is a condition in which the myocardium stops contracting.

An equally dangerous complication is cardiogenic shock. It develops due to left ventricular failure. Shock is manifested by collapse (a sharp drop in blood pressure), cyanosis and oliguria (decreased urine volume). In 80-90% of cases it leads to human death. The cause is an acute disruption of the blood supply to vital organs (kidneys, heart, brain, lungs).

It is important to know

The lethal outcome at the stage of filling the lung alveoli with fluid reaches 50%. Edema due to an acute heart attack in 90% of cases ends in the death of a person.

Thus, the development of cardiac asthma is most often caused by diseases of the myocardium and valves. In this condition, urgent hospitalization of the patient is required.

There are two types of pulmonary edema: cardiac and non-cardiac in origin. This pathology is characterized by the accumulation of extravascular fluid in the lungs. If the volume of this liquid is significant, gas exchange is disrupted. In this material you will learn about the signs of pulmonary edema in humans, the causes of the pathology and methods of providing emergency care to the patient.

Causes and how pulmonary edema occurs in humans

Pulmonary edema in humans is a life-threatening leakage of protein-rich, easily foaming serous fluid into the alveolar cavity.

Cardiac pulmonary edema in humans occurs with cardiac asthma or with diseases complicated by left ventricular failure. Pulmonary edema of non-cardiac origin is distinguished separately.

The causes of pulmonary edema are:

1) damage to lung tissue:

• infectious (pneumonia);
• allergic;
• toxic;
• traumatic;
• pulmonary embolism;
• pulmonary infarction;

2) disturbance of water-electrolyte balance:

• endocrine pathology;
• steroid therapy;

3) violation of central regulation with:

• stroke;
• hemorrhage, toxic, infectious, traumatic brain damage.

Pulmonary edema can also be caused by a decrease in intrathoracic pressure during rapid evacuation of fluid from the abdominal cavity, fluid or air from the pleural cavity. In addition, the cause of pulmonary edema in a person can be shock, burns and other serious conditions.

Filling of the alveoli with liquid and foam leads to difficulty and then impossibility of breathing (asphyxia). Under conditions of oxygen deficiency, the permeability of the capillary-alveolar membrane increases, the exudation of serous fluid increases - thus, a vicious circle arises. At the same time, the effectiveness of drug therapy decreases.

Pulmonary edema requires urgent treatment measures. In cases of toxic, allergic and infectious origin with damage to the alveolar-capillary membrane, as well as in cases of decreased blood pressure, large doses of glucocorticosteroids are used to treat pulmonary edema. Repeated prednisolone 0.15 g (3 - 6 ampoules, up to 1500 mg/day) or hydrocortisone up to 1200 mg/day is injected dropwise into a vein using an isotonic sodium chloride solution or glucose.

When treating pulmonary edema in humans, there are a number of contraindications. Thus, nitroglycerin, strong diuretics, as well as aminophylline are contraindicated in case of reduced blood pressure. Narcotic analgesics are contraindicated in case of cerebral edema. Oxygen therapy is contraindicated in severe respiratory failure.

Asthmatic pulmonary edema in humans

Cardiac asthma- a serious condition in which there is difficulty breathing and signs of suffocation.

The causes of asthmatic pulmonary edema are:

• primary acute left ventricular failure (, other forms of coronary heart disease);
• acute left ventricular failure;
• manifestations of chronic left ventricular failure (mitral or aortic disease, chronic cardiac aneurysm, etc.);
• hypertensive crisis and other forms of arterial hypertension;
• acute nephritis.

The main factor - an increase in hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries - is usually accompanied by additional factors that provoke an attack:

• physical or emotional stress;
• fluid retention;
• increased blood flow into the pulmonary circulation system;
• disturbance of central regulation and other factors.

Pulmonary edema in cardiac asthma is accompanied by attacks of excitement, increased blood pressure, tachycardia, increased breathing, and increased work of the respiratory and accessory muscles. All of these accompanying factors increase the load on the heart and reduce the efficiency of its work, and forced inspiration leads to an additional increase in blood supply to the lungs, which is accompanied by a further deterioration in heart function, disruption of central regulation, and increased permeability of the alveolar membrane.

Harbingers of pulmonary edema are: increased shortness of breath; choking, coughing or soreness behind the sternum with little physical exertion or when moving to a horizontal position; weakened breathing and slight wheezing in the lungs.

With cardiac asthma, suffocation occurs with coughing and wheezing. Forced rapid breathing, agitation, fear of death, blueness of the skin, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure are observed. Against the background of weakened breathing - dry, sometimes fine wheezing. In severe cases - cold sweat, swelling of the neck veins, loss of consciousness. Swelling of the bronchial mucosa may be accompanied by impaired bronchial obstruction, similar to what occurs with bronchial asthma.

Pulmonary edema occurs suddenly as a result of increasing severity of heart failure. The appearance of abundant bubble rales, spreading to the upper parts of the lungs, indicates developing pulmonary edema. The appearance of foamy, usually pink (due to the admixture of red blood cells) sputum is a reliable sign of edema, while the characteristic bubbling breathing is not a specific sign.

Emergency care and treatment of pulmonary edema in cardiac asthma

Emergency treatment begins already at the warning stage due to the threat of death. The sequence of therapeutic measures is determined in part by the time it takes to complete them. Emergency care for pulmonary edema due to cardiac asthma consists of:

• relief of emotional stress, since the role of the emotional factor in this pathology is significant;
• you need to sit the patient in a comfortable position, with his legs down;
• give nitroglycerin up to 1.5 mg (2 - 3 tablets or 5 - 10 drops) under the tongue every 5-10 minutes under blood pressure control until a noticeable improvement occurs (less wheezing, subjective relief, decreased blood pressure).

If nitroglycerin is insufficiently effective, help with pulmonary edema due to cardiac asthma is carried out according to the following scheme:

• 1% morphine solution from 1 to 2 ml subcutaneously or into a vein (slowly, in isotonic sodium chloride solution). If morphine is contraindicated, 2 ml of a 0.25% solution of droperidol is administered intramuscularly or intravenously (under blood pressure control);
• furosemide (Lasix) - from 2 to 8 ml of 1% solution intravenously (but not for low blood pressure);
• oxygen inhalation through nasal catheters or a mask;
• cardiac glycosides (digoxin 0.025% in a dose of 1 ml or strophanthin 0.05% in a dose of 0.5 ml is injected into a vein in an isotonic sodium chloride solution). According to indications - repeated administration in half the dose after 2 hours;
• if the alveolar membrane is damaged (pneumonia, allergic component), prednisolone or hydrocortisone is used;
• the same drugs - for lowering blood pressure;
• for asthma with bronchospasm, slow injection into a vein of 10 ml of a 2.4% aminophylline solution is possible;
• according to indications - suction of foam and liquid from the trachea and bronchi, inhalation of an antifoam agent (10% solution of antifomsilane).

Removal from pulmonary edema is carried out on site by a specialized cardiology ambulance team. After removal from the edema, the patient must be hospitalized by the same team.

Interstitial and alveolar pulmonary edema associated with heart failure

Circulatory disorders in acute left ventricular failure lead to swelling of the airways and tissue. In diseases complicated by left ventricular failure, pulmonary edema can be interstitial and alveolar.

Clinical signs of interstitial pulmonary edema (intercellular, tissue). are not constant and therefore are not always detected during physical examination. The patient complains of shortness of breath, dry cough, but the fluid remains localized and wheezing is not detected. X-ray signs of such pulmonary edema are more reliable.

Alveolar pulmonary edema develops later than interstitial edema. On a radiograph, it is determined by shadows in both lung fields; the closer to the root of the lung, the larger they are and the more densely located. The peripheral parts of the lung are free.

Clinically, the first of the described types of pulmonary edema in heart failure always manifests itself as severe shortness of breath. The cough may be dry at the very beginning; later, a large amount of foamy sputum is released, which may be colorless or mixed with a small amount of blood. Attacks of cardiac asthma usually develop during physical activity or shortly after its completion, sometimes at night. Tachycardia is noted. In the lungs there are moist rales, initially only over the bases of the lungs, later over their entire surface. In most cases, during pulmonary edema in acute heart failure, patients are diagnosed with increased venous pressure (by swelling of the saphenous veins of the neck), enlarged liver, swelling of the subcutaneous tissue and other signs of heart failure.

Shortness of breath in the form of attacks can occur both at rest and during physical activity, but it always begins acutely. Pulmonary edema due to heart failure is especially characterized by night attacks of suffocation or coughing. In typical cases, the patient wakes up in the middle of the night with a feeling of lack of air. Severe attacks of suffocation can develop into pulmonary edema with the release of large amounts of foamy sputum and the appearance of moist rales in the lungs.

Dry wheezing in both lungs is heard both during inhalation and exhalation; in cardiac asthma, they are heard only during an attack.

Most cases of cardiac asthma are caused by left ventricular failure. The most common causes of its development are damage to the myocardium, valvular apparatus of the heart, disturbances in the tempo and rhythm of heart contractions.

Attacks of paroxysmal tachycardia and arrhythmia in many cases occur with difficulty breathing and sometimes ultimately lead to pulmonary edema. Tachycardias are complicated not only by suffocation or cardiac pulmonary edema: at the same time, elderly patients often experience severe pain in the heart area.

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Pulmonary edema is a pathological condition caused by the penetration of non-inflammatory fluid from the pulmonary capillaries into the interstitium and alveoli. Because of this, there is a sharp disruption in gas exchange, oxygen starvation begins, depleting tissues and organs.

Types of pulmonary edema

OL is a condition in which assistance must be provided immediately. It can occur both as a result of physical activity and at night - at rest. Sometimes pulmonary edema becomes a complication that develops against the background of impaired fluid circulation in the organ. The vessels cannot cope with the excess blood filtered from the capillaries, and the fluid under high pressure passes into the alveoli. Because of this, the lungs cease to correctly perform their basic functions.

The development of OL occurs in two phases. First, blood enters the interstitium. This condition is called interstitial pulmonary edema. With it, the parenchyma is completely saturated with liquid, but the transudate does not enter the lumen of the alveoli. From the interstitial space, if the pressure does not decrease, the blood mass penetrates into the alveoli. In this case, alveolar pulmonary edema is diagnosed.

Pulmonary edema can also be classified according to the time of development:

1. Acute occurs within 2-4 hours.
2. It takes several hours for a protracted one to develop. Such an OL can last a day or more.
3. Lightning is the most dangerous. It begins suddenly and is fatal within a few minutes of onset.

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema

Various diseases can cause the problem of OB. Cardiac pulmonary edema is diagnosed when the heart is involved in the pathological process. The diseases that cause it lead to disturbances in the systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle. People with coronary heart disease mainly suffer from the problem. In addition, pulmonary edema occurs due to myocardial infarction, arterial hypertension, and heart defects. To make sure that the pulmonary capillary pressure is truly cardiogenic, you need to check the pulmonary capillary pressure. It should be above 30 mmHg. Art.

This type of OA can be caused by various ailments that lead to one problem - impaired permeability of the alveolar membrane. Diseases that cause non-cardiogenic edema:

• pneumonia (both bacterial and viral);
• DIC syndrome;
• lung injuries.

The big problem is that cardiac and noncardiac pulmonary edema are difficult to distinguish from each other. In order to correctly differentiate the problem, the specialist must take into account the patient’s medical history, assess myocardial ischemia, and measure central hemodynamics. A specific test is also used in diagnostics - measuring jamming pressure. If the readings are above 18 mm Hg. Art. is cardiogenic edema. If the problem is of extracardiac origin, the pressure remains normal.

Toxic pulmonary edema

The condition occurs due to:

• increasing capillary permeability;
• violation of their integrity;
• violations of the main processes occurring in the neurovegetative arc;
• oxygen starvation.

Toxic edema has some features. He has a pronounced reflex period. In addition, general signs of acute inflammation are combined with symptoms of chemical burns of the tissues of the lungs and respiratory tract. Medicine distinguishes four main periods in the development of the problem:

1. The first is characterized by the manifestation of reflex disorders: cough, severe shortness of breath, incessant lacrimation. In the most difficult cases, reflex cardiac and respiratory arrest may occur.
2. During the latent period, the phenomena of irritation subside. It lasts from a couple of hours to several days (but as a rule, no longer than 4 – 6 hours). Although the patient’s general health is stable, diagnostic measures can determine the symptoms of approaching edema: breathing becomes rapid, the pulse slows down.
3. At the third stage, swelling appears. Lasts about a day. During this period, the temperature rises and neutrophilic leukocytosis develops.
4. Finally, there are signs of complications, which can be diseases such as pneumonia or pneumosclerosis.

What causes pulmonary edema?

There are many reasons why the lungs swell. Among the main ones:

• sepsis (in most cases developing due to the penetration of toxins into the blood);
• drug overdose;
• overdose of certain medications (the most dangerous are anti-inflammatory drugs and cytostatics);
• radiation damage to the lungs;
• poisoning;
• stagnation in the first circle of blood circulation (observed in bronchial asthma and other lung diseases);
• chronic or sudden decrease in protein levels in the blood (as in liver cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome and other renal pathologies);
• enteropathy;
• acute form of hemorrhagic pancreatitis;
• gastric aspiration;
• staying at high altitude;
• excessive uncontrolled intravenous fluid administration.

Pulmonary edema in heart failure

This pathology is the final stage of increasing hypertension in the pulmonary circulation. Pulmonary edema due to heart disease develops in acute forms of heart failure and dysfunction of the system as a whole. Cardiogenic edema is characterized by a cough producing pinkish sputum. In particularly difficult cases, the patient experiences an acute lack of oxygen and loses consciousness. In this case, the breathing of patients becomes shallow and completely ineffective, so ventilation is required.

Pulmonary edema at altitude

Conquering peaks is a dangerous sport, and not only because of the danger of avalanches. Pulmonary edema is common in the mountains. And it can occur even among experienced mountaineers and rock climbers. The higher you climb in the mountains, the less oxygen your body receives. At altitude, the pressure decreases, and the blood that passes through the lungs does not receive the required amount of useful gas. As a result, fluid accumulates in the lungs. And if help is not provided for pulmonary edema, the person may die.

Pulmonary edema in bedridden patients

The human body is not adapted to being in a horizontal position for a long period of time. Therefore, some bedridden patients begin to experience complications in the form of acute illness. The symptoms of the problem are the same as in cases caused by serious illnesses, but treating such pulmonary edema is a little easier, since it is known in advance why it appeared.

And in bedridden patients, pulmonary edema is caused by the following: in a supine position, a significantly smaller amount of air is inhaled. Because of this, blood flow in the lungs slows down and congestion develops. Sputum, which contains inflammatory components, accumulates, and it is difficult to expectorate it in a horizontal position. As a result, stagnation processes progress and swelling develops.

Pulmonary edema - symptoms, signs

The manifestations of acute and prolonged OA are different. The latter develops slowly. The first warning sign of a problem is shortness of breath. At first it occurs only during physical activity, but over time, breathing will become difficult even in a state of absolute rest. In many patients, along with shortness of breath, pulmonary edema manifests symptoms such as rapid breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, and general weakness. The procedure of listening to the lungs can also indicate danger - strange gurgling and wheezing sounds are heard through a stethoscope.

Acute pulmonary edema is difficult to miss. It usually appears at night, during sleep. A man wakes up from an attack of severe suffocation. Panic seizes him, which only intensifies the attack. After some time, cough, pallor, pronounced cyanosis, cold sticky sweat, trembling, and squeezing pain in the chest area are added to the existing symptoms. As swelling increases, confusion may appear, blood pressure may drop, and the pulse may weaken or not be felt at all.

Pulmonary edema - treatment

Therapy for OA should be aimed at reducing it with the goal of subsequently completely eliminating all the main causes that caused its occurrence.

Pulmonary edema - emergency care, algorithm

As soon as the first manifestations of acute illness are noticed, the person needs to receive assistance until hospitalization. Otherwise, the attack may be fatal.

Pulmonary edema - therapy

Serious treatment continues in a hospital setting. To combat a problem such as pulmonary edema, the following medications will be required:

• Morphine;
• Fentanyl;
• Korglykon;
• Strophanthin;
• Aminophylline;
• antibiotics (in case of bacterial complications).

Pulmonary edema - consequences

OL can have different consequences. If emergency care was provided on time and correctly and subsequent therapy is carried out by qualified specialists, even acute pulmonary edema will be safely forgotten. Prolonged hypoxia can result in irreversible processes in the central nervous system and brain. But in the worst cases, sudden onset of acute edema leads to death.

Pulmonary edema - prognosis

It is important to understand that OA is a problem for which the prognosis is often unfavorable. According to statistics, about 50% of patients survive. But if it is possible to diagnose incipient pulmonary edema, the chances of recovery increase. Swelling that develops against the background of myocardial infarction leads to death in 90% of cases. Patients who have recovered from an attack must be observed by doctors for several months.

Pulmonary edema is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the lungs instead of air, which leads to a sharp disruption of gas exchange in the lungs and the development of hypoxia. Pulmonary edema is not an independent disease, but a disease that is a complication of other pathologies.

What causes pulmonary edema?

The causes of pulmonary edema can be of 2 types:

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema - occurs with pathological overload of the heart, as well as with acute heart failure.

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema - occurs in the lungs during myocardial infarction, when blood stagnates in the vessels of the lung.

Non-cardiogenic causes of edema include respiratory diseases, such as pulmonary embolism and bronchial asthma. Complications after pneumonia in adults can also lead to pulmonary edema.

Other causes of pulmonary edema:

• Chest injuries;
• In newborns, pulmonary edema can result from severe hypoxia;
• Chemical poisoning;
• Drug use;
• Smoke inhalation;
• Uremia;
• Drowning;
• Cirrhosis of the liver.

Symptoms of pulmonary edema

Pulmonary edema mainly develops at night, when a person is sleeping. A person wakes up and feels severe suffocation. After some time, the patient develops a convulsive cough. Signs of pulmonary edema are as follows: at first, sputum of normal consistency appears, but as the edema progresses, it becomes more liquid, and subsequently turns into plain water.

With slowly developing pulmonary edema, a person suffers from rapid breathing, which occurs for no obvious reason. Rapid breathing develops along with shortness of breath. First it occurs during physical activity, and then in a state of complete rest.

According to the flow there are:

Fulminant pulmonary edema - death occurs a few minutes after the onset of edema.

Acute pulmonary edema (lasting up to 1 hour) - appears after severe stress or too much physical activity

Prolonged pulmonary edema (duration 1-2 days) - develops with chronic inflammatory diseases of the lungs, chronic renal failure

Subacute - symptoms of edema develop gradually, sometimes increasing, sometimes subsiding - develops with acute liver or kidney failure, congenital heart defects.

The development of edema can be provoked by emotional stress, physical activity, or a person’s transition from a vertical to a horizontal position.

The first symptoms of incipient acute edema are: the appearance of pain in the chest, a feeling of squeezing. Then it becomes difficult to inhale and exhale, shortness of breath increases.

Patients with suspected pulmonary edema must be hospitalized.

What to do in case of pulmonary edema before the ambulance arrives?

• If a person is conscious, he needs to be moved to an upright or sitting position.
• Provide access to fresh air
• The patient needs to put a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue; if the tablet has dissolved, but the condition has not improved, a second tablet should be given. You can take no more than 6 tablets per day.
• Unbutton the top buttons on your clothes

Treatment for this disease depends on its severity and the cause of its occurrence. It is aimed at normalizing pressure in the pulmonary circulation, reducing peripheral vascular resistance, and correcting acid-base balance disorders.

Edema that develops as a result of heart failure can be completely cured with the use of diuretics.

If the cause of pulmonary edema is an infection, antibiotics are used.

Particularly severe cases of pulmonary edema require the patient to be connected to a ventilator, which maintains his breathing at the proper level while specialists take measures to treat and eliminate the underlying cause of the disease.

Prevention of edema consists in timely treatment of those diseases that can lead to it.

Pulmonary edema

With pulmonary edema, fluid collects in the spaces outside the pulmonary blood vessels. In one type of edema, so-called cardiogenic pulmonary edema, fluid leakage is caused by an increase in pressure in the pulmonary veins and capillaries. As a complication of heart disease, pulmonary edema can become chronic, but there is also acute pulmonary edema, which develops quickly and can lead to the death of the patient in a short time.

What are the causes of pulmonary edema?

Pulmonary edema is usually caused by failure of the left ventricle, the main chamber of the heart, resulting from heart disease. In certain heart conditions, more pressure is required to fill the left ventricle to ensure sufficient blood flow to all parts of the body. Accordingly, the pressure in other chambers of the heart and in the pulmonary veins and capillaries increases. Gradually, some of the blood sweats into the spaces between the lung tissues. This prevents the expansion of the lungs and disrupts the gas exchange occurring in them.

In addition to heart disease, there are other factors that predispose to pulmonary edema:

Excessive amount of blood in the veins;

some kidney disease, extensive burns, diseased liver, nutritional deficiencies;

Impaired lymph outflow from the lungs, as is observed in Hodgkin's disease;

Reduced blood flow from the left upper chamber of the heart (for example, with narrowing of the mitral valve);

Disorders that cause blockage of the pulmonary veins.

What are the symptoms of pulmonary edema?

Symptoms in the early stages of pulmonary edema reflect poor expansion of the lungs and the formation of transudate. These include:

Sudden attacks of respiratory distress after several hours of sleep;

Difficulty breathing, which is relieved by sitting;

When examining the patient, a rapid pulse, rapid breathing, abnormal listening sounds, distended jugular veins, and abnormal heart sounds may be detected.

With severe pulmonary edema, when the alveolar sacs and small airways fill with fluid, the patient's condition worsens. Breathing quickens, becomes difficult, and the cough produces foamy sputum with traces of blood. The pulse quickens, heart rhythms are disturbed, the skin becomes cold, clammy and acquires a bluish tint, sweating increases. As the heart pumps less and less blood, blood pressure drops, the pulse becomes thready.

How is the disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made based on symptoms and physical examination, followed by an arterial blood gas test, which usually shows decreased oxygen levels. In this case, disturbances in acid-base balance and acid-base balance, as well as metabolic acidosis, may also be detected.

Chest x-rays usually reveal diffuse opacities in the lungs and often cardiac hypertrophy and excess fluid in the lungs.

In some cases, pulmonary artery catheterization is used for diagnostic purposes, which can confirm left ventricular failure and exclude adult respiratory distress syndrome, the symptoms of which are similar to those of pulmonary edema.

How is pulmonary edema treated?

Treatment is aimed at reducing the amount of fluid in the lungs, improving gas exchange and heart function, as well as treating the underlying disease.

As a rule, the patient is allowed to breathe mixtures with a high oxygen content. If an acceptable level of oxygen cannot be maintained, artificial ventilation is used to improve tissue oxygen supply and restore acid-base balance.

The patient may also be prescribed diuretics (eg, Lasix) to remove fluid in the urine, which in turn helps reduce the amount of extravascular fluid.

To treat cardiac dysfunction, in some cases digitalis glycosides and other arterial dilators (for example, nipride) are prescribed. Morphine can be used to relieve anxiety, ease breathing and improve blood circulation.

Causes of pulmonary edema: prevent the development of a terrible disease!

Acute pulmonary failure or pulmonary edema is a serious disruption of gas exchange in organs as a result of transudate entering the lung tissue from the capillaries. That is, the liquid enters the lungs. Pulmonary edema is a pathological condition accompanied by an acute deficiency of oxygen throughout the body.

Causes of pulmonary edema

Pulmonary edema is distinguished by causes and time of development

There are different forms of edema depending on the reasons for the development of the disease and the time of its development.

Types by speed of development

• Acute development. The disease manifests itself within 2-3 hours.
• Prolonged pulmonary edema. The disease lasts a long time, sometimes a day or more.
• Lightning current. It comes completely suddenly. The lethal outcome, as an inevitability, occurs within a few minutes.

There are a number of classic underlying causes of pulmonary edema.

Thus, non-cardiogenic edema is caused by various causes not related to cardiac activity. This could be liver disease. kidneys, toxin poisoning, injury.

Cardiogenic edema is caused by heart disease. Typically, this type of disease occurs against the background of myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, heart defects, and circulatory disorders.

Predisposing factors

• Sepsis. Toxins then enter the bloodstream.
• Pneumonia due to various types of infections or injuries.
• Exceeding doses of certain medications.
• Radiation damage to organs.
• Drug overdose.
• Any heart disease, especially during its exacerbation.
• Frequent attacks of hypertension.
• Pulmonary diseases, for example, bronchial asthma, emphysema.
• Thrombophlebitis and varicose veins, accompanied by thromboembolism.
• Low levels of protein in the blood, which manifests itself in cirrhosis of the liver or other pathologies of the liver and kidneys.
• A sharp change in air pressure when rising to a high altitude.
• Exacerbation of hemorrhagic pancreatitis.
• Entry of a foreign body into the respiratory tract.

All these factors together or one at a time can be a strong impetus for the occurrence of pulmonary edema. If these diseases or conditions occur, it is necessary to monitor the patient's health status. Monitor his breathing and general vital activity.

From the proposed video, find out how we harm our lungs.

Diagnostics

To take the necessary first resuscitation measures and to treat the patient, a correct diagnosis of the disease is required.

During a visual examination during an attack of suffocation and pulmonary edema, it is necessary to pay attention to the patient’s appearance and the position of his body.

During an attack, excitement and fear are clearly evident. And noisy breathing with wheezing and whistling can be clearly heard from a distance.

During the examination, pronounced tachycardia or bradycardia is observed, and the heart is hard to hear due to bubbling breathing.

In addition to a routine examination, an ECG and pulse oximetry are often performed. Based on these examination methods, the doctor makes a diagnosis.

In case of pulmonary edema, an electrocardiogram shows an abnormal heart rhythm. And with the method of determining blood oxygen saturation, a sharp decrease in oxygen levels is highlighted.

A chest x-ray is required. In difficult cases, clouding is observed in the image, which indicates that the alveoli of the lungs are filled with fluid.

To determine the main cause of the disease, it is necessary to know the clinical picture of the disease. In some cases, direct measurement of blood pressure in the vessels of the lungs is done. To do this, a special catheter is inserted into large veins of the chest or neck, which makes it possible to determine the causes and degree of development of pulmonary edema with 99% accuracy.

Additional diagnostic methods

• Blood chemistry
• Ultrasound of the heart
• Coagulogram
• Echo KG
• Pulmonary artery catheterization

An experienced doctor, even a therapist, can make a diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition without a complex examination:

• Dry skin is not a serious condition
• Forehead with slight sweat – moderate severity
• Wet chest - serious condition
• Confusion and a completely wet body, including the chest and abdomen, is an extremely serious condition

If controversial issues arise, consultations are held with a pulmonologist and a cardiologist, a consultation is created and a comprehensive decision is made on the treatment of the disease, as well as measures to prevent asphyxia.

Pulmonary edema: symptoms

Usually the disease develops suddenly, at night, often during sleep. If the attack is lightning fast and does not develop in a hospital setting, then it is impossible to save the patient without emergency ambulance, since the transudate, rich in protein, forms a whipped dense foam during the attack, which leads to a decrease in respiratory activity and oxygen starvation.

But such a development of the disease is rare. More often, pulmonary edema develops gradually, sometimes with preceding signs.

Symptoms

Such symptoms may appear a couple of minutes before swelling or several hours before.

An attack can be triggered by external factors

An attack can be triggered by stress, hypothermia, psycho-emotional stress, a sharp fall, or physical exertion.

At the beginning of the attack, the resulting suffocation and cough forces the patient to sit down or lie down. In this case, blueness of the lips, nails, and eyelids appears.

Nervous fever occurs. and the skin takes on a gray tint. And cold sweat appears on the surface. A sign of mental agitation and motor restlessness appears.

Each time an attack is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure and tachycardia. During an attack, additional muscles are involved in breathing. Breathing increases up to 30 times per minute. Shortness of breath increases, making it difficult to speak.

The patient's breathing becomes increased, stridorous, whistling, without wheezing. Veins swell in the neck. The face takes on a puffy appearance. When you cough, pink foam is produced. And the pulse increases sharply during coughing, reaching 160 beats per minute.

In severe cases, confusion and coma are possible. The pulse becomes threadlike, and breathing is periodic, rare and shallow. With the development of asphyxia, death occurs.

If such symptoms occur, you should immediately seek emergency help by calling an ambulance. Only timely medical measures will help the patient avoid asphyxia and death. In such cases, you cannot hesitate.

Consequences

The consequences of pulmonary edema can be different. If assistance is provided in a timely and qualified manner, then no serious complications are expected.

After pulmonary edema, a person may experience symptoms of pneumonia

It is possible that for some period there will be signs of congestive pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, and heart pain. There is a possibility of developing chronic respiratory diseases.

However, often, despite timely modern methods of treatment and diagnosis, in 50% of cases, pulmonary edema combined with associated myocardial infarction leads to death.

In other cases of prolonged hypoxia, some irreversible processes occur in the nervous system and brain structure.

If there is damage to the central nervous system in the form of autonomic disorders, then there is no cause for special concern. In cases of brain destructuration, irreversible processes leading to the death of the patient are possible.

The sooner the attack of pulmonary failure is stopped, the better the prognosis for the patient. To avoid serious consequences, it is necessary to follow the doctor’s recommendations, adhere to diets, prevent contact with allergens, and give up bad habits, especially smoking.

Pulmonary edema: treatment

Treatment of a patient with pulmonary edema is carried out in a hospital setting in the intensive care unit. Treatment largely depends on the condition of the patient and his individual characteristics of the body.

Principles of treatment

• Decreased respiratory excitability
• Increased contractions of the heart muscle
• Unloading blood circulation in a small circle
• Saturation of blood with oxygen - oxygen therapy - inhalation from a mixture of oxygen and alcohol
• Calming the nervous system using sedatives
• Eliminating fluid from the lungs using diuretics
• Treatment of the underlying disease
• Use of antibiotics in case of secondary infection
• The use of drugs that improve heart function

A wide range of drugs are used in the treatment of pulmonary edema

In hospital treatment, the following drugs are used:

• Narcotic analgesics and neuroleptics, for example, Morphine, Fentanyl in small doses, intravenously.
• Diuretics, for example, Lasix, Furosemide.
• Cardiotonic glycosides, for example, Strophanthin, Korglykon.
• Bronchial antispasmodics: Euphylline, Aminophylline.
• Hormonal drugs - glucocorticoids, for example Prednisolone intravenously.
• Broad-spectrum antibiotic drugs. The most popular uses are Ciprofloxatin and Imipenem.
• When the level of protein in the blood is low, plasma from donor blood is used as an infusion.
• If the swelling is caused by thromboembolism, intravenous Heparin must be used.
• To lower blood pressure, use Dobutamine or Dopamine.
• For low heart rate, Atropine is used.

All doses and quantities of drugs for different purposes are prescribed to the patient individually. It all depends on the age of the patient and the specifics of the disease, on the state of the patient’s immunity. These medications should not be used before a medical prescription, as this will worsen the situation.

After the attack has been relieved and breathing functions have been restored, it is possible to use folk remedies. Their use can be started after consultation with a doctor unless prohibited.

An effective method in this treatment is the use of decoctions, infusions and teas that have an expectorant effect. This is what will help remove serous fluid from the body.

During treatment, it is imperative to direct actions to improve not only the physical and physiological condition of the patient. It is necessary to bring a person out of a stressful state by improving his emotional state.

Any treatment during pulmonary edema should be carried out under the strict supervision of the attending physician. During the first period of therapy, all drugs are administered intravenously, since it is very difficult to take drugs orally.

Providing emergency assistance

There are a number of urgent measures to provide first aid to a person with pulmonary edema. The absence of such assistance can worsen the patient's condition.

First aid:

• It is necessary to give the patient a sitting position, and it is necessary to lower his legs to the floor.
• Organize direct access to fresh air, which will help breathing.
• Place your feet in hot water; foot baths will dilate blood vessels.
• Allow the patient to breathe freely by removing tight and constricting clothing.
• Monitor breathing and pulse, measure blood pressure every 5 minutes.
• Allow the patient to inhale alcohol vapor.
• It is imperative to restore the patient’s mental and emotional state.
• For low blood pressure, give nitroglycerin.
• Apply venous tourniquets to the lower extremities.
• Provide access to a large vein upon the arrival of doctors.

First aid is required before the ambulance arrives

These measures are carried out before the ambulance arrives. The emergency team, prior to medical examination and diagnosis, carries out some measures before arriving at the hospital. Usually this:

• Suctioning foam and inhaling alcohol vapor
• Removing excess liquid
• Pain relief for pain or shock
• Subcutaneous administration of camphor solution
• Using an oxygen cushion to enrich breathing with oxygen
• Bloodletting
• Pressure regulation

The remaining measures are carried out in the hospital under the guidance of specialists.

After complete stabilization of the patient’s condition, treatment of the patient begins, which is aimed at eliminating the causes of edema.

Preventing oxygen starvation is the primary task of doctors. Otherwise, the consequences of the attack will be irreversible.

The coordinated work of emergency workers and the correct actions of loved ones will help avoid serious complications and consequences after an attack of respiratory failure.

Pulmonary edema: prognosis

The prognosis after pulmonary edema is not always favorable

It must be understood that the prognosis after suffering pulmonary edema is rarely favorable. Survival rate, as already mentioned, is no more than 50%.

However, many people experience some deviations after treatment. If pulmonary edema occurs against the background of myocardial infarction, then the mortality rate exceeds 90%.

In case of survival, it is necessary to be observed by doctors for more than a year. It is imperative to apply effective therapy to cure the underlying disease that caused pulmonary edema.

If the root cause is not eliminated, then there is a 100% chance of relapse.

Any therapy is aimed at relieving swelling and preventing its recurrence.

Only correct and timely treatment measures can give a favorable prognosis. Early pathogenetic therapy at the initial stage, timely detection of the underlying disease, and proper treatment will help give a favorable prognosis for the outcome of the disease.

Prevention of pulmonary edema

Preventive measures in the fight against pulmonary edema are timely treatment of diseases that cause edema. Eliminating the causes is prevention.

A healthy lifestyle, compliance with safety rules when working with harmful substances, poisons and toxins, compliance with the dosage of medications, no alcohol abuse. drugs and overeating are all preventive measures that will help avoid attacks of pulmonary failure.

If you have chronic diseases or hypertension, you should follow all doctor’s instructions in good faith.

An additional preventive measure is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. proper nutrition and an active lifestyle.

It is impossible to reliably exclude the moment of an attack, since it is impossible to provide guaranteed insurance against infection or injury, but you can reduce the risk of its occurrence. It should be remembered that timely assistance for pulmonary edema is a life saved.6