Pulmonary edema is the buildup of fluid in the lungs, usually
resulting from the heart's inability to pump blood through the
body effectively. It can be caused by heart or kidney failure,
poisoning, widespread infection, stroke, or near-drowning.
Symptoms of pulmonary edema include difficulty breathing,
restlessness, shortness of breath that is worse when lying down,
rapid heart rate, and a cough that sometimes produces foamy
Although pulmonary edema can be a life-threatening condition, it
is treatable, depending on the cause. Treatment may include
oxygen given through the nose or a face mask. In severe cases,
relief may require a breathing tube placed into the windpipe
(intubation) and use of a breathing machine (ventilator).
Medicines to strengthen the heart muscle or to relieve the
pressure on the heart may also be given as needed. February 22,
2012 E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Robert L.
Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology How this
information was developed to help you make bet