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Pulmonary edema is an abnormal buildup of fluid in
the lungs. This buildup of fluid leads to shortness of breath.
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Causes
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Pulmonary edema is typically caused by filling of
alveoli in the lungs by fluid leaking out of the blood. Sometimes pulmonary
edema may be caused by a number of cardiac or non-cardiac conditions.
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Symptoms
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Most common symptoms include
Coughing up
Difficulty breathing
wheezing sounds with breathing
Problems speaking in full sentences because of
shortness of breath
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Diagnosis
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After taking medical history and performing physical
examination your doctor may recommend further tests which include:
Chest x-rays
Blood tests
Pulse oximetry
Electrocardiogram
Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
Pulmonary artery catheterization
Cardiac catheterization
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Risk factors
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Risk factors for this condition include:
Any underlying cause
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Treatment
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Your treatment options will include:
Oxygen
Diuretics
Blood pressure medications
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Complications
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If left untreated it may cause the following
complication.
Lower extremity and abdominal swelling
Pleural effusion
Congestion and swelling of the liver
When not treated, acute pulmonary edema can be fatal
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Prevention
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Pulmonary edema is not always preventable, but these
measures can help reduce your risk.
Control your blood pressure
Watch your blood cholesterol
Don't smoke
Eat a heart-healthy diet
Limit salt
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Pulmonary Edema Overview
