Pulmonary Edema (Medical Definition) | Quick Explainer Video

What is Pulmonary Edema? This video covers the medical definition and provides a brief overview of this topic.

➡️ Pulmonary Edema Definition
As we mentioned, it's a condition in which fluid builds up in the lungs and results in shortness of breath because it prevents the body from being able to get adequate amounts of oxygen. The most common cause of pulmonary edema is CHF, which stands for congestive heart failure. That is because, with this condition, the left ventricle of the heart struggles to pump blood as it should which causes fluid to leak from the vessels that ultimately begins to accumulate in the lungs.

➡️ Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Edema Include:
- Hypoxemia
- Dyspnea
- Tachypnea
- Pink, frothy secretions
- Orthopnea
- Diaphoresis
- Cyanosis
- Peripheral edema
- Jugular venous distention
- Crackles on auscultation

➡️ Diagnostic Tests for Pulmonary Edema:
- Chest x-ray
- Arterial Blood Gas
- Complete Blood Count
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
- Pulmonary Function Testing
- Hemodynamic Monitoring
- Cardiac enzyme analysis

➡️ Pulmonary Edema Treatment
The treatment methods for pulmonary edema will vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of their signs and symptoms. As a respiratory therapist, the first thing that you will probably notice is severe hypoxemia which can be treated with oxygen therapy. For example, the patient may require 100% oxygen immediately which can be delivered via a nonrebreathing mask. Diuretic agents would be recommended to treat fluid overload. Preload reducers, afterload reducers, positive inotropic agents, and analgesic medications may be indicated as well. Noninvasive ventilation may be indicated to support the patient's breathing and help with oxygenation and/or ventilation. If BiPAP is administered and the patient continues to deteriorate, intubation and mechanical ventilation would be indicated.

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🚑MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with a physician with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you watch in this video. We strive for 100% accuracy, but errors may occur, and medications, protocols, and treatment methods may change over time.

💡AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER
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⏰TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:23 - Pulmonary Edema Definition
0:48 - Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Edema
1:15 - Diagnostic Tests for Pulmonary Edema
1:55 - Diuretic Agents

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🖼CREDIT FOR MUSIC AND GRAPHICS:

#RespiratoryTherapy #RespiratoryTherapist #PulmonaryEdema

[madhikizela]

Thank you so much for this, l really needed to know more information about the disease that took away my mom

[tommcqueen]

I had this procedure today. It was quick, virtually painless and very effective. Removed 1.5 Qts of fluid from one of my lungs.

[littlepookie]

As a lay person, I appreciate the overview.

[azapp]

Where's our guy??
We love him!
Hope he's coming back...

[jonathonmoores]

The part that confused me is she said it’s because the left ventricle struggles to pump blood and she says “as it should”, shouldn’t it not struggle and that’s why we have this issue of pulmonary edema ?

[israelpolanco]

I spent 23 days in the hospital because this

[Sariah]

Intubation is no longer used. They only do tracheas now.