Pulmonary edema is a condition where excess fluid builds up in the lungs, causing shortness of breath. It can be caused by heart problems, pneumonia, high altitudes, toxins, chest trauma, and other issues. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, and fatigue. Treatment focuses on oxygen therapy, medications to reduce fluid buildup and control blood pressure, and managing any underlying conditions that may be causing the pulmonary edema.

1. Be in the know
about
Pulmonary
Edema!
References for further
information:
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.org/dis
eases-conditions/pulmonary-
edema
NUR335ARespiratory
Assignment
Pulmonary
Edema
Pulmonary edema is a condition that can be
either short term or long term, where there
is an excess amount of fluid that has built
up in the lungs.
This condition is mostly caused by problems
of the heart but it can be a result of other
conditions and disease.

2. Signs and Symptoms
 Difficulty breathing and shortness
of breath.
 Feeling of suffocating or drowning.
 Wheezing and gasping for breath.
 Anxiety and restlessness.
 Cough with possible blood.
 Chest pain (if related to a heart
problem).
 Fast, irregular heartbeat.
 Fatigue
 Difficulty breathing when laying
down
 Rapid weight gain
 Swelling in the lower extremities
Causes
There are many causes of pulmonary edema
including:
 Heart problems
 Pneumonia
 Living at a high altitude (ex. The
mountains)
 Exposure to toxins and medications
 Trauma to the chest
The Pulmonary Edema can be either a short
term or a long term disease that will be
classified as either acute (Short Term) or
chronic (Long Term).
Treatment
 Oxygen therapy and monitor
oxygen levels.
 Medications include:
Preload and after load reducers,
morphine, and blood pressure
medications.
 Controlling high blood pressure
 Managing any conditions that
could cause pulmonary edema
 Quit smoking
 Eat a healthy, well- balanced diet
Created By:
Mariah Lofgran
Lauren Loya-
Martinez