Pulmonary edema

Definition

Pulmonary edema is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs. This buildup of fluid leads to shortness of breath.

Alternative Names

Lung congestion; Lung water; Pulmonary congestion; Heart failure - pulmonary edema

Causes

Pulmonary edema is often caused by congestive heart failure. When the heart is not able to pump efficiently, blood can back up into the blood vessels that take blood through the lungs.

 

As the pressure in these blood vessels increases, fluid is pushed into the air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs. This fluid reduces normal oxygen movement through the lungs. These two factors combine to cause shortness of breath.

 

Congestive heart failure that leads to pulmonary edema may be caused by:

Pulmonary edema may also be caused by:

Symptoms

Symptoms of pulmonary edema may include:

Other symptoms may include:

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will perform a thorough physical exam.

The provider will listen to your lungs and heart with a stethoscope to check for:

Other things that may be seen during the exam include:

Possible tests include:

Treatment

Pulmonary edema is almost always treated in the emergency room or hospital. You may need to be in an intensive care unit (ICU).

The cause of pulmonary edema should be identified and treated quickly. For example, if a heart attack has caused the condition, it must be treated right away.

Medicines that may be used include:

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outlook depends on the cause. The condition may get better quickly or slowly. Some people may need to use a breathing machine for a long time. If not treated, this condition can be life threatening.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number if you have breathing problems.

Prevention

Take all your medicines as directed if you have a disease that can lead to pulmonary edema or a weakened heart muscle.

Following a healthy diet that is low in salt and fat, and controlling your other risk factors can reduce the risk of developing this condition.

References

Mann DL. Management of heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 50.

Meyer NJ, Matthay MA. Pulmonary edema. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 133.

Rogers JG, O'Connor CM. Heart failure: epidemiology, pathobiology, and diagnosis. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 45.



Review Date: 2/27/2024
Reviewed By: Thomas S. Metkus, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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