This causes pulmonary edema in humans. Pulmonary edema: what to do to avoid drowning on land if you have heart disease and other organs

To avoid serious consequences of pulmonary edema, you should know what the signs, causes and methods of treating this condition in patients are. This pathology is characterized by impaired pulmonary gas exchange and the development of oxygen deficiency in the blood. In this case, hypoxia itself is accompanied by damage to the alveolocapillary membranes, which leads to their high permeability - the first stage of pulmonary edema.

What is pulmonary edema

The pathological condition that is caused by an increase in the level of tissue fluid is called pulmonary edema. Lung pathology occurs in 2 stages:

1. Interstitial edema is infiltration of serous fluid into the lung tissue. At this stage, hypoxia develops, ensuring high permeability of the alveolo-capillary membrane.
2. Alveolar stage – the appearance of fluid in the alveoli, which contributes to the development of the pathological process.

Symptoms

Swelling of the airways appears suddenly and develops quickly. Clinical symptoms of the disease in adults include:

• intense shortness of breath (attack of cardiac asthma), especially after prolonged exposure to a horizontal position;
• frequent, bubbling, shallow breathing that can be heard from a distance;
• cough with moist wheezing and pink sputum;
• instant feeling of lack of air - attacks of suffocation;
• squeezing, pressing pain in the chest, aggravated by a horizontal position (lying on your back);
• pale or blue skin;
• profuse sticky sweat;
• cardiopalmus;
• agitation of the patient;
• increased body temperature;
• confusion or coma.

Pulmonary edema in children

Symptoms of pulmonary edema in a child appear clearly, so it is easy to recognize the pathology. Children have a cough with prolonged wheezing, they begin to choke, especially in a horizontal position, and thick sputum with a pink tint appears. In addition, the child refuses to eat, sleeps poorly and behaves restlessly due to chest pain. Older children talk about this pain syndrome. When fluid is retained in the lungs, parents notice ragged breathing and pale skin that may turn blue and become covered in sweat. You also need to pay attention to an increased heart rate.

Causes

What causes pulmonary edema? There are many reasons for the development of lung pathology. They are associated with cardiology, pulmonology, nephrology and other areas of medicine. So, the causes of pulmonary edema may be the following:

• cardiosclerosis;
• acute myocardial infarction;
• heart failure;
• arrhythmia;
• congenital dropsy;
• Chronical bronchitis;
• tuberculosis;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• acute pancreatitis;
• acute laryngitis;
• ARVI;
• flu.

In older people

The main cause of pulmonary disease in elderly patients is blood stasis, which develops due to prolonged lying down. Signs of congestion are similar to symptoms of respiratory failure. Other reasons for the development of the pathological condition include:

• long-term use of drugs with salicylates;
• blood transfusion;
• infectious diseases affecting the respiratory system;
• reaction to the introduction of protein substances.

In bedridden patients

In a horizontal position, much less air enters the body than in a vertical position. Due to the fact that breathing activity is reduced, blood flow in the lungs decreases and congestion occurs. Thus, sputum accumulates, the expectoration of which in a horizontal position is difficult - the process of stagnation progresses. In addition, sputum contains components that cause inflammation. The gradual development of pulmonary edema is typical for many bedridden patients.

Types of pulmonary edema

Depending on the causes of the pathology, experts distinguish 2 types of pulmonary edema:

• Cardiogenic edema. Pathology appears due to heart failure. To determine cardiogenic edema, the capillary pressure of the lungs is measured, which for this type exceeds 30 mm. rt. Art. The attack most often occurs at night and is accompanied by severe chest pain, unstable blood pressure and other clinical signs mentioned above. At this phase of cardiogenic edema, the rate of development of pathology is higher than in other cases, so there is less time to provide assistance.
• Non-cardiogenic edema. It develops due to the high permeability of the pulmonary vessels and the penetration of fluid into the internal cavity of the lungs. Thus, with a large amount of liquid, the functioning of blood vessels significantly deteriorates, and gas exchange is disrupted. After relief, it is very important to find the cause, which is difficult, since the pathology manifests itself due to diseases of the kidneys, liver, lungs and many other conditions.

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema also has subtypes, which can be used to describe the patient’s condition in more detail in order to use the appropriate treatment:

• Toxic. Pathology develops after toxic gases or vapors enter the lower respiratory tract. After the first minutes of toxic damage, respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest may occur.
• Cancerous. Appears against the background of a malignant lung tumor. The lymph nodes become clogged, causing edematous fluid to accumulate in the alveoli.
• Allergic. Pathology occurs due to contact with an allergen - after an insect bite, blood transfusion, etc. If therapeutic measures are not taken in a timely manner, anaphylactic shock may occur.
• Neurogenic. The occurrence of pathology occurs due to spasm of the veins. This results in high hydrostatic pressure of blood within the pulmonary capillaries, which flows through the lung cells and into the alveoli.

In addition to classification by pathogenesis, pulmonary edema is distinguished by the course of the condition. So, the following forms are distinguished:

• lightning;
• protracted;
• spicy;
• I'll tweak it.

Complications

The disease is a very serious pathological condition that requires timely treatment. If you do not meet the deadlines or carry out therapeutic measures incorrectly, the following dangerous complications may arise:

• fulminant form of the disease;
• respiratory depression;
• cardiogenic shock;
• unstable hemodynamics;
• asystole;
• blockage of the airways.

Diagnostics

In order to diagnose pulmonary edema, several measures are carried out. The main methods of examination include the following:

• collecting complaints about symptoms of lung pathology;
• general examination of skin tissue, listening to the lungs, measuring blood pressure and pulse;
• chest x-ray;
• establishing blood gas composition;
• saturation of the bloodstream with oxygen.

Treatment

The treatment strategy for the pathology is to eliminate the causes and signs of pulmonary edema in order to alleviate the patient’s condition. Doctors do the following:

• oxygen is supplied to the lungs through ethyl alcohol;
• reduce the load on the heart and pressure in the pulmonary capillaries;
• eliminate edematous fluid from the lungs;
• normalize cardiac output;
• after urgent therapeutic measures, the underlying disease is treated;
• To prevent a recurrent attack, antibiotics are prescribed.

Urgent Care

If you notice symptoms of pulmonary edema, you should immediately call doctors, and before their arrival, first aid for pulmonary edema is carried out. You should:

• open windows or otherwise provide fresh air;
• give the patient an elevated position and warm his feet;
• Allow the patient to breathe in alcohol vapor.

While performing the above actions, it is necessary to constantly monitor the patient’s pulse and breathing. Upon arrival, doctors will provide emergency therapy to reduce the load on the circulatory and respiratory systems, normalize blood pressure and reduce foaming:

1. The patient will have foam removed from his mouth to restore breathing. For this purpose, use clean gauze or a swab.
2. Tourniquets are placed on the upper thigh to reduce blood flow to the heart.
3. They do oxygen therapy - treatment with oxygen. In this case, the patient inhales an increased concentration of air.
4. To stop foaming, oxygen is inhaled through alcohol.
5. To reduce the pressure inside the pulmonary vessels, injections are given or medications are given orally.
6. In severe cases, artificial ventilation is required.
7. After emergency care is provided, the patient is taken to the hospital.

Drugs

If pulmonary edema develops due to heart disease, nitrates are used to normalize high blood pressure and in the presence of signs of myocardial ischemia. A representative of this group is Nitroglycerin, which quickly relieves ischemic attacks and angina. Contraindications include: hypersensitivity, head injuries, pregnancy and breastfeeding (breastfeeding). With low blood pressure, the patient is given drugs to increase heart contraction - the stimulant Dobutamine.

To remove excess fluid from the body, diuretics or diuretics are used. Lasix is ​​a “loop” diuretic drug that enhances the excretion of water and increases the excretion of potassium, magnesium, and calcium. The drug is contraindicated in severe kidney and liver diseases, increased central venous pressure, and hypersensitivity to furosemide.

For symptoms of bronchospasm, steroid hormones are taken. One of them is Prednisolone, which has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and glucocorticoid effects. The drug has practically no contraindications - only the presence of fungal infections and increased sensitivity to the components of the drug.

Defoamers

Antifoam agents are effective means to eliminate foaming during pulmonary edema. Their action is to increase the surface tension of the liquid, which helps stop the formation of hemorrhagic foam. The main defoaming agents include ethyl alcohol. Air or oxygen is passed through 30-90% ethanol, after which the patient breathes it. If alcohol turns out to be ineffective, Antifomsilan solution is used.

Main complications after emergency care

After emergency care, the patient may experience complications. The main ones include:

• respiratory depression;
• increased pulmonary edema due to high blood pressure;
• asystole;
• tachyarrhythmia;
• development of the lightning-fast form;
• airway obstruction;
• inability to normalize blood pressure;
• anginal pain.

Consequences

Pulmonary edema helps create favorable conditions for damage to internal organs. Thus, the consequences of lung pathology are varied:

• pneumonia;
• pulmonary atelectasis;
• pneumosclerosis;
• emphysema;
• hypoxia;
• cerebrovascular accident;
• cardiosclerosis;
• heart failure;
• ischemic damage to organs or body systems;
• gas exchange disorders;
• acidosis;
• death.

Prognosis and prevention

The survival rate after suffering a pulmonary disease is 50% of cases, while most patients experience abnormalities in the body. If you do not see a doctor in the clinic for the next year and do not cure the cause of the lung pathology, the probability of relapse is 100%. Only the right therapeutic measures can ensure a positive prognosis. If you want to avoid such a pathology, you should carry out prevention:

• timely treatment of chronic diseases;
• healthy lifestyle;
• compliance with safety rules when working with toxic substances;
• limiting alcohol consumption;
• compliance with drug dosages.

Video

Pulmonary edema is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the lungs instead of air, which leads to a sharp disruption of gas exchange in the lungs and the development of hypoxia. Pulmonary edema is not an independent disease, but a disease that is a complication of other pathologies.

What causes pulmonary edema?

The causes of pulmonary edema can be of 2 types:

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema - occurs with pathological overload of the heart, as well as with acute heart failure.

Non-cardiogenic Pulmonary edema - occurs in the lungs during myocardial infarction, when blood stagnates in the vessels of the lung.

Non-cardiogenic causes of edema include respiratory diseases, such as pulmonary embolism and bronchial asthma. Complications after pneumonia in adults can also lead to pulmonary edema.

Other causes of pulmonary edema:

• Chest injuries;
• In newborns, pulmonary edema can result from severe hypoxia;
• Chemical poisoning;
• Drug use;
• Smoke inhalation;
• Uremia;
• Drowning;
• Cirrhosis of the liver.

Symptoms of pulmonary edema

Pulmonary edema mainly develops at night, when a person is sleeping. A person wakes up and feels severe suffocation. After some time, the patient develops a convulsive cough. Signs of pulmonary edema are as follows: at first, sputum of normal consistency appears, but as the edema progresses, it becomes more liquid, and subsequently turns into plain water.

With slowly developing pulmonary edema, a person suffers from rapid breathing, which occurs for no obvious reason. Rapid breathing develops along with shortness of breath. First it occurs during physical activity, and then in a state of complete rest.

According to the flow there are:

Fulminant pulmonary edema - death occurs a few minutes after the onset of edema.

Acute pulmonary edema (lasting up to 1 hour) - appears after severe stress or too much physical activity

Prolonged pulmonary edema (duration 1-2 days) - develops with chronic inflammatory diseases of the lungs, chronic renal failure

Subacute - symptoms of edema develop gradually, sometimes increasing, sometimes subsiding - develops with acute liver or kidney failure, congenital heart defects.

The development of edema can be provoked by emotional stress, physical activity, or a person’s transition from a vertical to a horizontal position.

The first symptoms of incipient acute edema are: the appearance of pain in the chest, a feeling of squeezing. Then it becomes difficult to inhale and exhale, shortness of breath increases.

Patients with suspected pulmonary edema must be hospitalized.

What to do in case of pulmonary edema before the ambulance arrives?

• If a person is conscious, he needs to be moved to an upright or sitting position.
• Provide access to fresh air
• The patient needs to put a nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue; if the tablet has dissolved, but the condition has not improved, a second tablet should be given. You can take no more than 6 tablets per day.
• Unbutton the top buttons on your clothes

Treatment for this disease depends on its severity and the cause of its occurrence. It is aimed at normalizing pressure in the pulmonary circulation, reducing peripheral vascular resistance, and correcting acid-base balance disorders.

Edema that develops as a result of heart failure can be completely cured with the use of diuretics.

If the cause of pulmonary edema is an infection, antibiotics are used.

Particularly severe cases of pulmonary edema require the patient to be connected to a ventilator, which maintains his breathing at the proper level while specialists take measures to treat and eliminate the underlying cause of the disease.

Prevention of edema consists in timely treatment of those diseases that can lead to it.

Pulmonary edema

With pulmonary edema, fluid collects in the spaces outside the pulmonary blood vessels. In one type of edema, so-called cardiogenic pulmonary edema, fluid leakage is caused by an increase in pressure in the pulmonary veins and capillaries. As a complication of heart disease, pulmonary edema can become chronic, but there is also acute pulmonary edema, which develops quickly and can lead to the death of the patient in a short time.

What are the causes of pulmonary edema?

Pulmonary edema is usually caused by failure of the left ventricle, the main chamber of the heart, resulting from heart disease. In certain heart conditions, more pressure is required to fill the left ventricle to ensure sufficient blood flow to all parts of the body. Accordingly, the pressure in other chambers of the heart and in the pulmonary veins and capillaries increases. Gradually, some of the blood sweats into the spaces between the lung tissues. This prevents the expansion of the lungs and disrupts the gas exchange occurring in them.

In addition to heart disease, there are other factors that predispose to pulmonary edema:

Excessive amount of blood in the veins;

some kidney disease, extensive burns, diseased liver, nutritional deficiencies;

Impaired lymph outflow from the lungs, as is observed in Hodgkin's disease;

Reduced blood flow from the left upper chamber of the heart (for example, with narrowing of the mitral valve);

Disorders that cause blockage of the pulmonary veins.

What are the symptoms of pulmonary edema?

Symptoms in the early stages of pulmonary edema reflect poor expansion of the lungs and the formation of transudate. These include:

Sudden attacks of respiratory distress after several hours of sleep;

Difficulty breathing, which is relieved by sitting;

When examining the patient, a rapid pulse, rapid breathing, abnormal listening sounds, distended jugular veins, and abnormal heart sounds may be detected.

With severe pulmonary edema, when the alveolar sacs and small airways fill with fluid, the patient's condition worsens. Breathing quickens, becomes difficult, and the cough produces foamy sputum with traces of blood. The pulse quickens, heart rhythms are disturbed, the skin becomes cold, clammy and takes on a bluish tint, sweating increases. As the heart pumps less and less blood, blood pressure drops, the pulse becomes thready.

How is the disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made based on symptoms and physical examination, followed by an arterial blood gas test, which usually shows decreased oxygen levels. In this case, disturbances in acid-base balance and acid-base balance, as well as metabolic acidosis, may also be detected.

Chest x-rays usually reveal diffuse opacities in the lungs and often cardiac hypertrophy and excess fluid in the lungs.

In some cases, pulmonary artery catheterization is used for diagnostic purposes, which can confirm left ventricular failure and exclude adult respiratory distress syndrome, the symptoms of which are similar to those of pulmonary edema.

How is pulmonary edema treated?

Treatment is aimed at reducing the amount of fluid in the lungs, improving gas exchange and heart function, as well as treating the underlying disease.

As a rule, the patient is allowed to breathe mixtures with a high oxygen content. If an acceptable level of oxygen cannot be maintained, artificial ventilation is used to improve tissue oxygen supply and restore acid-base balance.

The patient may also be prescribed diuretics (eg, Lasix) to remove fluid in the urine, which in turn helps reduce the amount of extravascular fluid.

To treat cardiac dysfunction, in some cases digitalis glycosides and other arterial dilators (for example, niprid) are prescribed. Morphine can be used to relieve anxiety, ease breathing and improve blood circulation.

Causes of pulmonary edema: prevent the development of a terrible disease!

Acute pulmonary failure or pulmonary edema is a serious disruption of gas exchange in organs as a result of transudate entering the lung tissue from the capillaries. That is, the liquid enters the lungs. Pulmonary edema is a pathological condition accompanied by an acute deficiency of oxygen throughout the body.

Causes of pulmonary edema

Pulmonary edema is distinguished by causes and time of development

There are different forms of edema depending on the reasons for the development of the disease and the time of its development.

Types by speed of development

• Acute development. The disease manifests itself within 2-3 hours.
• Prolonged pulmonary edema. The disease lasts a long time, sometimes a day or more.
• Lightning current. It comes completely suddenly. The lethal outcome, as an inevitability, occurs within a few minutes.

There are a number of classic underlying causes of pulmonary edema.

Thus, non-cardiogenic edema is caused by various causes not related to cardiac activity. This could be liver disease. kidneys, toxin poisoning, injury.

Cardiogenic edema is caused by heart disease. Typically, this type of disease occurs against the background of myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, heart defects, and circulatory disorders.

Predisposing factors

• Sepsis. Toxins then enter the bloodstream.
• Pneumonia due to various types of infections or injuries.
• Exceeding doses of certain medications.
• Radiation damage to organs.
• Drug overdose.
• Any heart disease, especially during its exacerbation.
• Frequent attacks of hypertension.
• Pulmonary diseases, for example, bronchial asthma, emphysema.
• Thrombophlebitis and varicose veins, accompanied by thromboembolism.
• Low levels of protein in the blood, which manifests itself in cirrhosis of the liver or other pathologies of the liver and kidneys.
• A sharp change in air pressure when rising to a high altitude.
• Exacerbation of hemorrhagic pancreatitis.
• Entry of a foreign body into the respiratory tract.

All these factors together or one at a time can be a strong impetus for the occurrence of pulmonary edema. If these diseases or conditions occur, it is necessary to monitor the patient's health status. Monitor his breathing and general vital activity.

From the proposed video, find out how we harm our lungs.

Diagnostics

To take the necessary first resuscitation measures and to treat the patient, a correct diagnosis of the disease is required.

During a visual examination during an attack of suffocation and pulmonary edema, it is necessary to pay attention to the patient’s appearance and the position of his body.

During an attack, excitement and fear are clearly evident. And noisy breathing with wheezing and whistling can be clearly heard from a distance.

During the examination, pronounced tachycardia or bradycardia is observed, and the heart is hard to hear due to bubbling breathing.

In addition to a routine examination, an ECG and pulse oximetry are often performed. Based on these examination methods, the doctor makes a diagnosis.

In case of pulmonary edema, an electrocardiogram shows an abnormal heart rhythm. And with the method of determining blood oxygen saturation, a sharp decrease in oxygen levels is highlighted.

A chest x-ray is required. In difficult cases, clouding is observed in the image, which indicates that the alveoli of the lungs are filled with fluid.

To determine the main cause of the disease, it is necessary to know the clinical picture of the disease. In some cases, direct measurement of blood pressure in the vessels of the lungs is done. To do this, a special catheter is inserted into large veins of the chest or neck, which makes it possible to determine the causes and degree of development of pulmonary edema with 99% accuracy.

Additional diagnostic methods

• Blood chemistry
• Ultrasound of the heart
• Coagulogram
• Echo KG
• Pulmonary artery catheterization

An experienced doctor, even a therapist, can make a diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition without a complex examination:

• Dry skin is not a serious condition
• Forehead with slight sweat – moderate severity
• Wet chest - serious condition
• Confusion and a completely wet body, including the chest and abdomen, is an extremely serious condition

If controversial issues arise, consultations are held with a pulmonologist and a cardiologist, a consultation is created and a comprehensive decision is made on the treatment of the disease, as well as measures to prevent asphyxia.

Pulmonary edema: symptoms

Usually the disease develops suddenly, at night, often during sleep. If the attack is lightning fast and does not develop in a hospital setting, then it is impossible to save the patient without emergency ambulance, since the transudate, rich in protein, forms a whipped dense foam during the attack, which leads to a decrease in respiratory activity and oxygen starvation.

But such a development of the disease is rare. More often, pulmonary edema develops gradually, sometimes with preceding signs.

Symptoms

Such symptoms may appear a couple of minutes before swelling or several hours before.

An attack can be triggered by external factors

An attack can be triggered by stress, hypothermia, psycho-emotional stress, a sharp fall, or physical exertion.

At the beginning of the attack, the resulting suffocation and cough forces the patient to sit down or lie down. In this case, blueness of the lips, nails, and eyelids appears.

Nervous fever occurs. and the skin takes on a gray tint. And cold sweat appears on the surface. A sign of mental agitation and motor restlessness appears.

Each time an attack is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure and tachycardia. During an attack, additional muscles are involved in breathing. Breathing increases up to 30 times per minute. Shortness of breath increases, making it difficult to speak.

The patient's breathing becomes increased, stridorous, whistling, without wheezing. Veins swell in the neck. The face takes on a puffy appearance. When you cough, pink foam is produced. And the pulse increases sharply during coughing, reaching 160 beats per minute.

In severe cases, confusion and coma are possible. The pulse becomes threadlike, and breathing is periodic, rare and shallow. With the development of asphyxia, death occurs.

If such symptoms occur, you should immediately seek emergency help by calling an ambulance. Only timely medical measures will help the patient avoid asphyxia and death. In such cases, you cannot hesitate.

Consequences

The consequences of pulmonary edema can be different. If assistance is provided in a timely and qualified manner, then no serious complications are expected.

After pulmonary edema, a person may experience symptoms of pneumonia

It is possible that for some period there will be signs of congestive pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, and heart pain. There is a possibility of developing chronic respiratory diseases.

However, often, despite timely modern methods of treatment and diagnosis, in 50% of cases, pulmonary edema combined with associated myocardial infarction leads to death.

In other cases of prolonged hypoxia, some irreversible processes occur in the nervous system and brain structure.

If there is damage to the central nervous system in the form of autonomic disorders, then there is no cause for special concern. In cases of brain destructuration, irreversible processes leading to the death of the patient are possible.

The sooner the attack of pulmonary failure is stopped, the better the prognosis for the patient. To avoid serious consequences, it is necessary to follow the doctor’s recommendations, adhere to diets, prevent contact with allergens, and give up bad habits, especially smoking.

Pulmonary edema: treatment

Treatment of a patient with pulmonary edema is carried out in a hospital setting in the intensive care unit. Treatment largely depends on the condition of the patient and his individual characteristics of the body.

Principles of treatment

• Decreased respiratory excitability
• Increased contractions of the heart muscle
• Unloading blood circulation in a small circle
• Saturation of blood with oxygen - oxygen therapy - inhalation from a mixture of oxygen and alcohol
• Calming the nervous system using sedatives
• Eliminating fluid from the lungs using diuretics
• Treatment of the underlying disease
• Use of antibiotics in case of secondary infection
• The use of drugs that improve heart function

A wide range of drugs are used in the treatment of pulmonary edema

In hospital treatment, the following drugs are used:

• Narcotic analgesics and neuroleptics, for example, Morphine, Fentanyl in small doses, intravenously.
• Diuretics, for example, Lasix, Furosemide.
• Cardiotonic glycosides, for example, Strophanthin, Korglykon.
• Bronchial antispasmodics: Euphylline, Aminophylline.
• Hormonal drugs - glucocorticoids, for example Prednisolone intravenously.
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics. The most popular uses are Ciprofloxatin and Imipenem.
• When the level of protein in the blood is low, plasma from donor blood is used as an infusion.
• If the swelling is caused by thromboembolism, intravenous Heparin must be used.
• To lower blood pressure, use Dobutamine or Dopamine.
• For low heart rate, Atropine is used.

All doses and quantities of drugs for different purposes are prescribed to the patient individually. It all depends on the age of the patient and the specifics of the disease, on the state of the patient’s immunity. These medications should not be used before a medical prescription, as this will worsen the situation.

After the attack has been relieved and breathing functions have been restored, it is possible to use folk remedies. Their use can be started after consultation with a doctor unless prohibited.

An effective method in this treatment is the use of decoctions, infusions and teas that have an expectorant effect. This is what will help remove serous fluid from the body.

During treatment, it is imperative to direct actions to improve not only the physical and physiological condition of the patient. It is necessary to bring a person out of a stressful state by improving his emotional state.

Any treatment during pulmonary edema should be carried out under the strict supervision of the attending physician. During the first period of therapy, all drugs are administered intravenously, since it is very difficult to take drugs orally.

Providing emergency assistance

There are a number of urgent measures to provide first aid to a person with pulmonary edema. The absence of such assistance can worsen the patient's condition.

First aid:

• It is necessary to give the patient a sitting position, and it is necessary to lower his legs to the floor.
• Organize direct access to fresh air, which will help breathing.
• Place your feet in hot water; foot baths will dilate blood vessels.
• Allow the patient to breathe freely by removing tight and constricting clothing.
• Monitor breathing and pulse, measure blood pressure every 5 minutes.
• Allow the patient to inhale alcohol vapor.
• It is imperative to restore the patient’s mental and emotional state.
• For low blood pressure, give nitroglycerin.
• Apply venous tourniquets to the lower extremities.
• Provide access to a large vein upon the arrival of doctors.

First aid is required before the ambulance arrives

These measures are carried out before the ambulance arrives. The emergency team, prior to medical examination and diagnosis, takes some measures before arriving at the hospital. Usually this:

• Suctioning foam and inhaling alcohol vapor
• Removing excess liquid
• Pain relief for pain or shock
• Subcutaneous administration of camphor solution
• Using an oxygen cushion to enrich breathing with oxygen
• Bloodletting
• Pressure regulation

The remaining measures are carried out in the hospital under the guidance of specialists.

After complete stabilization of the patient’s condition, treatment of the patient begins, which is aimed at eliminating the causes of edema.

Preventing oxygen starvation is the primary task of doctors. Otherwise, the consequences of the attack will be irreversible.

The coordinated work of emergency workers and the correct actions of loved ones will help avoid serious complications and consequences after an attack of respiratory failure.

Pulmonary edema: prognosis

The prognosis after pulmonary edema is not always favorable

It must be understood that the prognosis after suffering pulmonary edema is rarely favorable. Survival rate, as already mentioned, is no more than 50%.

However, many people experience some deviations after treatment. If pulmonary edema occurs against the background of myocardial infarction, then the mortality rate exceeds 90%.

In case of survival, it is necessary to be observed by doctors for more than a year. It is imperative to apply effective therapy to cure the underlying disease that caused pulmonary edema.

If the root cause is not eliminated, then there is a 100% chance of relapse.

Any therapy is aimed at relieving swelling and preventing its recurrence.

Only correct and timely treatment measures can give a favorable prognosis. Early pathogenetic therapy at the initial stage, timely detection of the underlying disease, and proper treatment will help give a favorable prognosis for the outcome of the disease.

Prevention of pulmonary edema

Preventive measures in the fight against pulmonary edema are timely treatment of diseases that cause edema. Eliminating the causes is prevention.

A healthy lifestyle, compliance with safety rules when working with harmful substances, poisons and toxins, compliance with the dosage of medications, no alcohol abuse. drugs and overeating are all preventive measures that will help avoid attacks of pulmonary failure.

If you have chronic diseases or hypertension, you should follow all doctor’s instructions in good faith.

An additional preventive measure is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. proper nutrition and an active lifestyle.

It is impossible to reliably exclude the moment of an attack, since it is impossible to provide guaranteed insurance against infection or injury, but you can reduce the risk of its occurrence. It should be remembered that timely assistance for pulmonary edema is a life saved.6

Pulmonary edema is a serious condition that threatens not only health, but also human life. It can occur for a number of reasons in people of almost any age, but is always accompanied by a number of characteristic symptoms.

To notice in time that the lungs are swelling and to recognize the symptoms - not only a professional physician, but also a person without special education who is attentive to himself and his loved ones can cope with this.

Normally, lung tissue consists of many tiny air-filled bubbles called alveoli. If in addition to air fluid begins to accumulate in the alveoli– as a result of sweating from the circulatory and lymphatic systems, pulmonary edema occurs.

The mechanism of occurrence of this pathological condition is as follows:

• As a result of stagnation in the pulmonary circulation, the outflow of blood and lymph is disrupted and intravascular pressure in the pulmonary capillaries and lymphatic vessels increases.
• Blood and lymph accumulate in the vessels and begin to penetrate through their walls into the pulmonary structures of the alveoli - the so-called fluid effusion occurs.
• The liquid or transudate that has penetrated into the alveoli seems to displace air from them and significantly reduce their respiratory surface. The situation gets worse as the amount of transudate in the lungs increases - the effect of “internal drowning” is observed when the lungs fill with water and cannot fully function.
• Transudate is very rich in protein and therefore easily foams when in contact with air in the alveoli. The resulting foam makes breathing even more difficult.
• As a result, breathing becomes almost impossible, oxygen does not enter the blood, hypoxia and death occur.

What should the ESR be in a blood test: the norm for women and men by age is presented in the table.

How to find out in a timely manner, not to confuse it with other diseases

If the swelling develops gradually, then the stage of imaginary well-being can take about a day.

Sometimes the pathology occurs in an erased form, in which hypoxia is not very pronounced. This happens more often in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Alarming symptoms that require immediate medical attention are:

• shortness of breath at rest;
• difficulty breathing, with the patient complaining of a feeling of “bubbling” in the chest;
• inability to breathe “fully” - when trying to do this, the patient coughs and feels pain;
• increased breathing - as compensation for its insufficient depth;
• a feeling of compression and discomfort behind the sternum;
• dry continuous cough;
• inability to lie down - the patient gets worse in a horizontal position;
• weakness and weakness;
• blue lips and fingertips.

If this symptom complex occurs, it is necessary to call an ambulance as soon as possible, since pulmonary edema requires treatment in a hospital.

How to help a patient - what you can and cannot do

The algorithm of actions for providing first emergency aid for pulmonary edema consists of performing the following emergency measures:

• Call an ambulance. You cannot ignore complaints and wait for the condition to worsen - pulmonary edema can lead to death almost instantly.
• sick calm down: use valerian or motherwort.
• Unbutton all clothing that restricts breathing.
• Sit on a chair, put your feet down. Such a patient should not be placed in a horizontal position.
• Before the doctor arrives tourniquets can be applied to the limbs, pinching veins. It is important not to allow the pulse to disappear on the clamped limb. The tourniquets are applied for 15-20 minutes and then removed. After some time they can be applied again. Thus, the heart is unloaded - it requires less effort to pump blood to the periphery of the body.
• You can give the patient 1 tablet of nitroglycerin sublingually.
• If possible, use an oxygen mask.
• If a large amount of foam comes out when you cough– you should use defoaming agents. At home, this can be ordinary alcohol: a towel soaked in vodka or medical alcohol is periodically applied to the patient’s nose and mouth. It is better not to use expectorants if the cough has already become wet with copious sputum.
• To prevent swelling from spreading - the patient's back should be warmed: put mustard plasters.

The life of a sick person often depends on how quickly the symptoms of pulmonary edema are recognized and how timely pre-hospital emergency care is provided.

It is important not to ignore the first symptoms of pulmonary edema, but take timely measures to eliminate it and in hospital settings.

It can happen suddenly and at any time of the day, but most often it chooses the predawn hour. It occurs against the background of various diseases, lasts from several minutes to five hours and leads to the most severe consequences. And this pulmonary edema is the cause of death for many patients. Why does this condition develop, is it possible to save a person’s life and how?

Whydoes the attack end in death?

Typically, such swelling does not develop on its own, but is a symptom or complication of another serious illness. In simple terms, the cause of death due to pulmonary edema is that instead of the required oxygen, fluid collects in them. Where does it come from? It enters the lungs due to a disruption in the normal circulation of blood and lymph, in which blood serum penetrates into the lung tissue and prevents the free passage of air.

Since the lungs are “clogged” with fluid, they cease to perform their functions - saturate the blood with oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. The organs and tissues of the body lack air; they experience severe oxygen starvation due to the presence of carbon dioxide.

The patient begins to choke. His condition is deteriorating so rapidly that doctors often do not have time to provide specialized medical care. The risk of death of a patient during an acute attack of pulmonary edema is extremely high. It is enough to cite the following sad statistics: with the alveolar variety, the probability of death is 30-50%, and if this condition occurs during myocardial infarction - up to 90%. However, treatment of this condition in the early stages is accompanied by a favorable prognosis.

Whythis happens: reasons

If we talk about such a dangerous symptom as pulmonary edema, then it should be noted that the causes and consequences of this pathology are inextricably linked with each other. So, what usually causes such a complication? It can be called:

• pneumonia;
• sepsis;
• bronchitis;
• pneumothorax (air in the pleural cavity);
• CVS pathologies;
• severe vasospasm;
• blockage of blood vessels with fatty fractions, air bubbles;
• tumors of lymphatic vessels;
• blood stagnation in the right circle with asthma, emphysema;
• cranial trauma;
• intracerebral hemorrhages;
• encephalitis;
• meningitis;
• neoplasms in the head;
• chest injuries;

• allergic reaction (anaphylaxis);
• insulin shock;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• kidney disease, in which protein in the blood decreases;
• thrombophlebitis, varicose veins and pulmonary embolism caused by these ailments;
• gastric aspiration;
• overdose of certain drugs (NSAIDs, cytostatics);
• inhalation of toxic fumes;
• radiation damage to the lungs;
• acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis;
• excessive consumption of alcohol or poisoning with surrogate alcohol;
• reflux of gastric secretions or vomit into the lungs;
• drug use;
• staying at high altitude.

Pulmonary edema often occurs in older people. Among the most common causes in this category are reduced immunity, limited mobility, accumulation of toxins, deterioration of blood supply, tissue damage, heart disease, and varicose veins. In addition, pulmonary edema often develops in bedridden patients as a consequence of congestive pneumonia.

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There are two types of pulmonary edema:

• cardiogenic. Associated with acute left ventricular failure. Occurs during a heart attack, angina pectoris, and other cardiac pathologies;
• non-cardiogenic. It develops due to increased vascular permeability and filtration of fluid through the walls of the capillaries of the lungs.

Toxic edema is separately distinguished

Whatwill it be after?

Even if doctors manage to stop the attack, the consequences of swelling can be very unpleasant. Thus, disorders of mental activity and memory, and autonomic disorders are often observed on the part of the nervous system. The respiratory system suffers. After some time, congestive pneumonia, pneumofibrosis, and atelectasis may occur (a pathology in which the lung tissue loses its airiness, collapses and significantly decreases in size).

An equally serious consequence of edema is cardiosclerosis, heart failure, and ischemic lesions of various organs. It is they who lead to the fact that almost half of the patients who survive the edema die within one year after the attack.

Whatwhat to do for pulmonary edema?

Many people have no idea what to do in such a situation. Emergency care for pulmonary edema is carried out as follows:

• give the person a semi-sitting position. Ensure free flow of air (unbutton your shirt collar, remove tight clothing);
• remove foam from the upper respiratory tract;
• put nitroglycerin under his tongue. If this does not improve his condition, then the next tablet can be given after 10 minutes;
• moisten a piece of gauze with 90% alcohol and let it breathe;
• Apply moderately tight venous tourniquets to the arms and legs for 30 minutes. (if the person does not have thrombophlebitis);
• once every 30 min. give essential valerian drops (20 drops diluted with water);
• when the person feels a little better, you can give him something to cough up (but not an emetic!);
• put the cans on your back, warm your limbs with mustard plasters.

Emergencyhelp from specialists

When the medical team arrives, they will inject the patient with camphor, cardiac glycosides, furosemide and put on an oxygen mask. To quickly reduce pressure in the pulmonary circulation, bloodletting is used. But it is prohibited to use it in case of low blood pressure or heart attack.

One of the most effective medications for relieving edema is morphine (if the edema is not caused by a cerebrovascular accident). In order to normalize intravascular pressure, Furosemide and Lasix are administered intravenously. Heparin is used to restore pulmonary blood flow. Cardiogenic edema requires cardiac medications, and neurocardiogenic edema requires glucocorticoids.