- Main symptoms
- How to confirm the diagnosis
- How the treatment is done
- How is respiratory physiotherapy
Pulmonary edema, also known as acute lung edema, pulmonary edema or popularly "water in the lung", is an emergency situation, characterized by the accumulation of fluid inside the lungs, which reduces the exchange of respiratory gases, causing difficulty in breathing. and feeling of drowning.
Generally, pulmonary edema is more common in people with cardiovascular problems who do not receive adequate treatment and, therefore, experience an increase in pressure in the vessels of the lungs, which causes blood fluid to enter the pulmonary alveoli. However, it can also happen due to lung infections, for example.
Although severe, pulmonary edema is curable, but it is important to call an ambulance immediately or take the person to the hospital as soon as possible in order to begin treatment and eliminate excess fluid from the lung.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of acute pulmonary edema, in addition to the high difficulty in breathing, may include:
- Wheezing when breathing; Heart racing; Cold sweats; Chest pain; Paleness; Bluish or purplish fingertips; Purple lips.
Regardless of whether it is actually a situation of pulmonary edema, or not, whenever the person has severe difficulty in breathing or more than 2 of these symptoms, it is important to go to the hospital, or call medical help, to confirm the diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment.
How to confirm the diagnosis
In addition to observing the symptoms and assessing the person's history, the doctor may also order other tests to help confirm the diagnosis, such as chest X-rays, blood tests and even heart tests, such as electrocardiogram or echocardiogram.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for pulmonary edema should be started as soon as possible with the use of an oxygen mask and diuretic remedies directly in the vein, such as Furosemide, to increase the amount of urine and eliminate excess fluid in the lungs.
In addition, it is also necessary to make the appropriate treatment of the disease that caused the problem, which can include medicines for high blood pressure, such as Captopril, or Lisinopril to treat decompensated heart failure, for example.
Usually, the person needs to stay in the hospital for about 7 days to relieve the symptoms, control the problem that caused the appearance of pulmonary edema and undergo respiratory physical therapy sessions. During this period, it may still be necessary to use a bladder probe to control the outflow of liquids from the body, preventing them from accumulating again.
How is respiratory physiotherapy
Respiratory physiotherapy for acute pulmonary edema must be performed by a physical therapist and is usually started when the person is hospitalized and with symptoms controlled, serving to gradually improve the levels of oxygen in the body.
Learn more about how respiratory physiotherapy is done.
