Pulmonary Edema

Project tags: Pulmonary Edema, cause of death, respiratory disorder, shortness of breath, respiratory distress, respiratory failure, congestive heart failure, hypoxia, lung congestion, pulmonary congestion, lung water,

Pulmonary edema is a condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs, in the tissue and air spaces of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It leads to impaired gas exchange and may cause respiratory failure. It is due to either failure of the left ventricle of the heart to remove blood adequately from the pulmonary circulation (cardiogenic pulmonary edema), or an injury to the lung parenchyma or vasculature of the lung (noncardiogenic pulmonary edema). Pulmonary edema, especially acute, can lead to fatal respiratory distress or cardiac arrest due to hypoxia. It is a cardinal feature of congestive heart failure. The term is from the Greek οἴδημα(oídēma, “swelling”), from οἰδέω (oidéō, “I swell”).

In most cases, heart problems cause pulmonary edema. But fluid can accumulate for other reasons, including pneumonia, exposure to certain toxins and medications, trauma to the chest wall, and exercising or living at high elevations.

Pulmonary edema that develops suddenly (acute pulmonary edema) is a medical emergency requiring immediate care. Although pulmonary edema can sometimes prove fatal, the outlook improves when you receive prompt treatment for pulmonary edema along with treatment for the underlying problem. Treatment for pulmonary edema varies depending on the cause but generally includes supplemental oxygen and medications.

Pulmonary edema is acute, severe left ventricular failure with pulmonary venous hypertension and alveolar flooding. Findings are severe dyspnea, diaphoresis, wheezing, and sometimes blood-tinged frothy sputum. Diagnosis is clinical and by chest x-ray. Treatment is with O2, IV nitrates, diuretics, and sometimes morphine and short-term IV positive inotropes, endotracheal intubation, and mechanical ventilation.

Famous People Who Died of Pulmonary Edema

1. Ranker - Famous People Who Died of Pulmonary Edema (10 people listed)

• Jack Warner (1892-1978) Businessperson, Film Producer
• Johnny Weissmuller (1904-1984) Actor, Swimmer
• Victorien Sardou (1831-1908) Writer, Playwright (See: Wikipedia - Victorien Sardou)
• William Lundigan (1914-1975) Soldier, Actor (See: Find A Grave Memorial# 653- William Lundigan & wikipedia - William Lundigan cause of death=heart failure?)
• Purvis Young (1943-2010) Artist
• Yutaka Ozaki (1965-1992) Musician, Singer
• Moses H Cone (1857-1908) American textile entrepreneur, conservationist
• Anthony Foley (1973 -2016) Rugby player & coach (see: Wikipedia - Anthony Foley)

For Further Reading See:

• Mayo Clinic - Pulmonary Edema
• MedicineNet.com - Pulmonary Edema
• Wikipedia - Pulmonary edema
• MedlinePlus - Pulmonary edema
• WebMD - Pulmonary Edema: Know the Signs & Get the Facts
• Merck Manual, Professional Version - Pulmonary Edema

  ---

  
  

Jump back to

• ’Cause of Death portal
  • Respiratory Conditions

    ---