Pulmonary Edema Prevention
October 22, 2009
Pulmonary edema is an emergency health condition. Immediate medical attention is needed to prevent death from pulmonary edema.
Pulmonary edema is characterized by accumulation of fluid in the lungs, creating breathing difficulties. For various reasons fluid might collect in the air sacs in the lungs.
Pulmonary edema causes
Congestive heart failure usually causes pulmonary edema. The left ventricle in people suffering from congestive heart failure is too weak to pump out the oxygenated blood that it receives from the lungs. As a result, the pressure rises in the veins and capillaries of the lungs. With rise in pressure in the pulmonary veins, the fluids squeeze out of capillary walls, filling the air sacs with fluid.
Coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy or problems in the heart valves can weaken the left ventricle. Untreated hypertension can also damage the left ventricular muscles, leading to pulmonary edema.
Other than the weakening in the function of the left ventricles, pulmonary edema can also occur due to poor functioning of the right ventricle. Besides pulmonary edema caused by heart problems, which is also known as cardiac pulmonary edema, non-cardiac factors can also cause fluid retention in the lungs.
Infections of the lungs, such as pneumonia can cause fluid build up in the lungs. Exposure to toxins, such as ammonia or chlorine, and inhalation of smoke can cause fluid retention in the lungs. If you inhale the contents in your stomach during vomiting, pulmonary edema might occur.
Trauma, shock and sepsis that cause acute respiratory distress syndrome can lead to water accumulation in the lungs. Kidney malfunction can cause fluid build up in the lungs. The risk of pulmonary edema is greater in high altitudes, usually above 8000 feet above the sea level. Mountaineers and people living in high altitudes are vulnerable to this condition.
Pulmonary edema prevention
Since cardiovascular problems are the primary factors responsible for developing pulmonary edema, preventing cardiovascular diseases could help to prevent this condition. Keeping your blood pressure and blood cholesterol under control could help to prevent congestive heart failure. You should adhere to a healthy low salt diet plan.
Regular exercise and weight management are prerequisites for a healthy heart. To prevent pulmonary edema, high altitude climbers should acclimatize themselves gradually as they ascend.
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