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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Pulmonary edema is a condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs. This fluid collects in the numerous air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
In most cases, heart problems cause pulmonary edema. But fluid can accumulate for other reasons, including pneumonia, exposure to certain toxins and medications, and exercising or living at high elevations.
Pulmonary edema that develops suddenly (acute) is a medical emergency requiring immediate care. Although pulmonary edema can sometimes prove fatal, the outlook may be good 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. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec07/ch074/ch074b.html. Accessed June 4, 2009.
- Schwartzstein RM. Dyspnea and Pulmonary Edema. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y. Mc-Graw Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2863220. Accessed June 4, 2009.
- Ware LB, et al. Acute pulmonary edema. New England Journal of Medicine. 2005;353:2788.
- Signs and symptoms of heart failure. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/print_presenter.jhtml?identifier=339. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- Harris MD, et al. High-altitude medicine. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://www.aafp.org/afp/AFPprinter/980415ap/harris.html?print=yes. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- O'Brien JF, et al. Heart failure. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine Concepts and Practice. Philadelphia, Pa.; Mosby Elsevier: 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/141932241-3/849416907/1365/226.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50085-8--cesec4_3780. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- What causes cardiomyopathy? National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cm/cm_causes.html. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- What is ARDS? National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Ards/Ards_All.html. Accessed June 4, 2009.
- Givertz MM. Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 5, 2009.
- Swenson ER. Pathogenesis of high-altitude pulmonary edema: Inflammation is not an etiologic factor. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2002; 287: 2295
- Mattu A, et al. Modern management of cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. 2005;23:1105
- Acetazolamide (Prescribing information). Haifa Bay, Israel. Taro Pharmaceuticals, Inc. http://www.taro.com/media/oMedia/Acetazolamide%20Tablets%20%200305-1.pdf. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- ABCs of Preventing Heart Disease, Stroke and Heart Attack. American Heart Association. http://americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3035374. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- How do I know if I have high blood pressure. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/print_presenter.jhtml?identifier=219. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- About high blood pressure. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/print_presenter.jhtml?identifier=468. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- How can I reduce high blood pressure? American Heart Association. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- Cigarette smoking and cardiovascular disease. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/print_presenter.jhtml?identifier=4545. Accessed June 6, 2009.
- Rosenow EC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 12, 2009.
- Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Rochester, Minn. June 12, 2009.
