Pulmonary Edema

Lung edema is a serious condition that can develop rapidly and, if not treated in time, can lead to death. The most characteristic symptom is increasing shortness of breath, which often occurs at night, disrupting the patients’ sleep. In addition, during lung edema, a fine crackling sound can be heard in the airways, resembling the sound of blowing bubbles through a straw into a glass of water.

Air enters the lungs through the trachea, where the trachea branches into two main bronchi, which then subdivide into smaller bronchi. At the very end of the smallest bronchi are the alveoli, which are responsible for oxygen exchange. The capillaries surrounding the lungs, which are tiny blood vessels, assist in gas exchange, where hemoglobin picks up oxygen from the alveoli and releases carbon dioxide.

During lung edema, fluid enters the interstitial space, gradually flooding the alveoli, making breathing more difficult. The fluid also enters the airways, creating frothy sputum, which further worsens the patient’s oxygen supply and can ultimately lead to suffocation.

Symptoms and Manifestations of Lung Edema

The most noticeable sign of lung edema is shortness of breath, which is most intense when the patient is lying down. The semi-sitting position, where the patient’s back forms approximately a 45-degree angle with the horizontal, may provide temporary relief, but does not solve the problem. Medical assistance is essential to prevent the condition from worsening.

In addition to shortness of breath, the patient may experience the aforementioned crackling, which is a result of fluid accumulating in the lungs. Coughing may produce frothy, possibly bloody sputum, which is also a sign of lung edema. Patients are often pale and sweaty, and their skin may turn bluish, indicating a lack of oxygen in the tissues.

Lung edema can develop gradually, and a sudden worsening of symptoms may indicate a serious condition. It is important for family members and those in the immediate environment to be attentive to sudden onset symptoms, as these require emergency intervention.

Causes of Lung Edema

The most common trigger for lung edema is the accumulation of blood in the lungs. This phenomenon occurs when blood is not properly expelled from the lungs, resulting in increased pressure in the lung vessels. As a result of the pressure, fluid leaks out of the blood vessel walls, flooding the alveoli.

Potential causes include stenosis or improper closure of the left heart valves, which hinders proper blood flow. Left heart failure also plays a significant role, which can be caused by weakening of the heart muscle, myocarditis, or excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, severe kidney diseases can contribute to the development of lung edema, as insufficient fluid is expelled in the urine, increasing pressure on the heart.

Other possible triggers include increased fluid permeability of the pulmonary capillary walls, which can occur due to inhalation of toxic gases, severe infections, or traumatic injuries. Damage to the lymphatic drainage system of the lungs can also lead to lung edema, for example, through cancer metastases or inflammation.

Treatment Options for Lung Edema

The treatment of lung edema requires urgent medical intervention, as the progression of the disease can lead to life-threatening conditions. The first step in treatment is to ensure adequate oxygen supply, allowing the patient to breathe as effectively as possible. Additionally, fast-acting diuretics, such as Furosemide, can help remove fluid from the lungs.

To reduce the strain on the heart, nitrates or antihypertensives may also be used. In severe cases, mechanical ventilation may be necessary to ensure the patient receives adequate oxygen. Throughout the treatment process, it is crucial to address the underlying conditions, as these issues contribute to the development of lung edema.

In addition to appropriate medical care, the patient may need to monitor fluid intake and output to prevent further complications. Timely initiation of treatment can significantly improve the patient’s condition and chances of recovery.