Pulmonary Edema
- epidemiology
- signs and symptoms
- diagnosis
- pathophysiology
- causes and risk factors
- treatments
- course
- patient education
- community resources
- references
Epidemiology
Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Pathophysiology
Edema comes from capillary leak, which is usually dealt with by lymphatics.
With hemodynamic pulmonary edema, pulmonary congestion results in heavy, wet lungs. Fluid accumulates initially in the lower lobes because of increased hydrostatic pressure. Alveolar capillaries become engorged. Alveolar microhemorrhages and hemosiderin-laden macrophages may be present. Chronic edema leads to interstitial fibrosis, leading to brown induration. Infection is more likely.
If edema results from damage to capillaries, fluid leaks first into the interstitial space and in more severe cases into the alveoli. If caused by a localized pneumonia edema is secondary in concern, but if widespread, can be an important contributor to acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Causes and Risk Factors
Pulmonary edema can result from hemodynamic problems, usually related to heart failure, fluid overload, or decreased oncotic pressure. It can also result directly from increases in capillary permeability, caused by infections, inhaled gases, liquids, drugs, or chemicals, shock or trauma, or transfusion-related.
However, if heart failure is due to a large shunt,large amounts of flow though the lungs is not accompanied by increased hemodynamic flow.
Treatments
Course
Patient Education
Community Resources
References