Pulmonary Oedema

Question 1

What are the causes of pulmonary oedema?

Answer 1

• Increased pulmonary capillary hydrostatic pressure (e.g. LVF, hypervolemia (e.g. excess IV fluid))
• Increased capillary permeability (e.g. pneumonia, oxygen toxicity, sepsis)
• Decreased plasma oncotic pressure e.g hemodilution (e.g. excess IV fluid), some renal diseases
• Lymphatic insufficiency (e.g. pulmonary fibrosis, compression by tumours)

Question 2

How is treatment done for pulmonary oedema?

Answer 2

Treatment depends on cause but includes:
- Reversal/treatment of cause
- Oxygenation
- CPAP
- Diuretics
- Vasodilators
- Nitrates

Question 3

What are the signs & symptoms (S&S) of pulmonary oedema?

Answer 3

• Significant hypoxemia
• Tachypnea
• Respiratory distress
• Diffuse crackles/wheeze
• Pink frothy sputum

Question 4

What is pulmonary oedema?

Answer 4

Accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces between capillaries and alveoli

Question 5

What is peripheral oedema caused by?

Answer 5

The expansion of interstitial tissue