Acute pulmonary edema

Pulmonary edema

The collection of fluid in and around the alveoli.

Cause of pulmonary edema

Usually a result of congestive heart failure.

Effect of edema on gas exchange

By physically separating the alveoli from the pulmonary capillary vessels, the edema interferes with the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen.

Triggers of “flash” pulmonary edema

High blood pressure and low cardiac output.

Symptoms of severe pulmonary edema

Patients experience dyspnea with rapid, shallow respirations and may have frothy pink sputum at the nose and mouth.

Patient risk factors for congestive heart failure

Hypertension and a history of coronary artery disease and/or atrial fibrillation.

Pulmonary edema can also result from

Poisonings from inhaling large amounts of smoke or toxic chemical fumes, traumatic injuries of the chest, and exposure to high altitudes.

Mechanism in these cases

Fluid collects in the alveoli and lung tissue in response to damage of the tissues of the lung or the bronchi.

Signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure

Difficulty breathing with exertion, sudden respiratory distress caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs, coughing, feeling suffocated, cold sweats, and tachycardia.

Blood pressure changes in congestive heart failure

The patient may have hypertension early, followed by deterioration to hypotension as a late finding.