Pulmonary Edema: Complications

The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by pulmonary edema: Respiratory system (J00-J99) ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome) – life-threatening acute damage to the lungs; often associated with multiorgan failure in the setting of SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome; clinical picture resembling sepsis). Cardiovascular system (I00-I99). Cardiovascular failure

Pulmonary Edema: Classification

Pulmonary edema can be divided into the following stages: Stage Description Interstitial pulmonary edema Edema (fluid accumulation) is located primarily in the connective tissue supporting framework of the lung and the interstitium (space between cells) Alveolar pulmonary edema Edema within the pulmonary alveoli (air sacs) Foaming Asphyxia, respiratory exhaustion Respiratory depression (impending asphyxia)

Pulmonary Edema: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye) [Central cyanosis – bluish discoloration of skin and central mucous membranes, e.g. tongue]. Auscultation (listening) of the heart [due … Pulmonary Edema: Examination

Pulmonary Edema: Test and Diagnosis

1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count Differential blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or PCT (procalcitonin). HbA1c Blood gas analysis (ABG); Note: Interpretation by venous ABG is difficult; arterial ABG is indicated to support the clinical diagnosis of suspicion. TSH NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide) – to … Pulmonary Edema: Test and Diagnosis

Pulmonary Edema: Drug Therapy

Therapeutic target Stabilization Measures for acute pulmonary edema: Patient is placed in a sitting body position with lower extremities hanging down. Oxygen administration (10 l/min; target sO2 (oxygen saturation) > 90%), noninvasive ventilation with high-flow oxygen (up to 50?l/min)/invasive ventilation if necessary. Sedation (sedation; low-dose i.v. morphine). If there is marked fluid overload of the … Pulmonary Edema: Drug Therapy

Pulmonary Edema: Diagnostic Tests

Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Continuous monitoring of vital signs: Blood pressure (RR): blood pressure measurement/if necessary, invasive blood pressure measurement. Pulse/heart rate (HR) Respiratory rate (AF) Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) (pulse oximetry; measurement of oxygen saturation of arterial blood and pulse rate). X-ray of the thorax (X-ray thorax/chest), in two planes [enhanced pulmonary vascular drawing]. … Pulmonary Edema: Diagnostic Tests

Pulmonary Edema: Prevention

To prevent pulmonary edema, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Drug use Heroin (intravenous, i.e., through the vein). Environmental stress – intoxications Intoxication – flue gas, chlorine, phosgene, ozone, nitrous gases (nitrogen oxides), etc. Other risk factors High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) – fluid accumulation (edema) in the lungs … Pulmonary Edema: Prevention

Inhalation Therapy

In inhalation, certain substances are atomized and inhaled using a special inhalation device (e.g., nebulizer). Saline solutions, medications, or essential oils are inhaled. Inhalation therapy is primarily used for: Moistening of the respiratory tract Loosening of secretions and liquefaction of bronchial secretions. Solution of cramps (spasmolysis) of the bronchial muscles. Relieve swelling and inflammation of … Inhalation Therapy