Treatment for pulmonary edema

Pulmonary edema is a condition characterised by an accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which makes it difficult or even impossible to breathe effectively.
Pulmonary edema is often treatable if diagnosed before serious complications occur. However, prognosis varies depending on the underlying cause or disease, age, general health, and coexisting diseases, such as diabetes, heart failure, and pneumonia.

It is important to know and treat the cause of your pulmonary edema. If a heart attack has caused the pulmonary edema, it is necessary to treat and stabilize the heart. Go down to a lower altitude if pulmonary edema is caused by a high altitude.
Medicines which are prescribed by doctor are-
* Diuretic: This medicine is often called water pills. Diuretics help your body get rid of edema (extra fluid) in your legs, lungs, or around your heart. It may also decrease your blood pressure. You may urinate more often when taking diuretics.
* Morphine: This medicine helps decrease your pain. It also may help you breathe easier, and reduce the anxiety caused by breathing troubles.
* Nitrates: These medicines are used if your pulmonary edema is due to a heart problem.
* Oxygen: Extra oxygen may be given to help you breathe easier. It may be given using small, short tubes placed in your nose or a plastic mask over your mouth and nose. Intubation (breathing tube placed into the windpipe) and use of a breathing machine (ventilator) may be needed.

Important treatment for pulmonary edema includes high concentration of oxygen with a face mask, breathing is very important & this may supported by mechanical ventilation that pumps good amount of oxygen & air through breathing tube. Intravenous medications like diuretics that can rapidly draw fluid out of the lungs. Another medicine, morphine which given lessen anxiety & reduces the body’s demand for oxygen.