Pulmonary Edema

Question 1

What is pulmonary edema?

Answer 1

accumulation of fluid in the lungs, in the alveoli

Question 2

Is there normally fluid in the lungs?

Answer 2

yes, surfactant

Question 3

What causes pulmonary edema?

Answer 3

• left sided heart failure
• fluid volume overload (IV fluids… iatrogenic)
• smoke inhalation (irritates, causes inflammation, exudate)
• aspiration
• IV drug abuse (ex. narcotics increase permeability and depress the respiratory centre)

Question 4

What is the pathology of pulmonary edema?

Answer 4

• fluid from the blood moves into the interstitial space, then into the alveoli
• the fluid increases the diffusion distance and decreases the volume of air the alveoli can take
• results in decreased respiratory function

Question 5

What might happen to lymph vessels?

Answer 5

• they can be overwhelmed trying to deal with the excess fluid
• become engorged, can allow lobules of lungs to be visible

Question 6

What are the manifestations of pulmonary edema?

Answer 6

• productive cough (may be frothy, blood-tinged)
• dyspnea
• decreased compliance
• wet crackles on auscultation

Question 7

How is pulmonary edema treated?

Answer 7

• respiratory support

- find cause and treat