Causes, treatment and prevention of pulmonary edema. Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Pulmonary Edema First Aid for Pulmonary Edema

Pulmonary edema is a pathological condition that is accompanied by the accumulation of aqueous humor in the alveoli. It often occurs as a serious complication in heart failure, myocardial infarction, hypertension, kidney inflammation, etc. Sometimes pulmonary edema occurs as a result of long lying in bed or pneumonia.

Pulmonary edema: diagnosis

The main signs of edema include pallor of the skin, rapid heart rate, sputum production, shortness of breath, choking, and wheezing in the lungs. It is difficult for patients to lie down, they have to sit, feel general weakness and are very depressed.

First aid

The first thing that first aid should be directed to is the elimination of suffocation. Airway patency must be urgently restored. This requires transferring the patient to a sitting position. If there is no reason to fear collapse or myocardial infarction, it is useful to do bloodletting (up to 300 ml for adult patients and up to 200 ml for children).

The sooner the first aid measures are started, the better for the patient. The patient is allowed to breathe with a mixture of oxygen and alcohol vapor. Alcohol in this case serves as an antifoam agent.

To reduce the blood supply to the lungs, tourniquets can be applied to the patient's extremities. Only the veins need to be clamped, maintaining normal arterial blood flow. To be convinced of this, it is enough to feel the pulse on the artery below the tourniquet.

Also, good results are obtained by imposing mustard plasters on the legs and arms. Give the patient a nitroglycerin tablet and make sure it is placed under the tongue until it is completely absorbed and does not swallow. If nitroglycerin has not worked, the next tablet can be taken no earlier than 10 minutes later.

Medical help

Medical care for pulmonary edema consists in the use of drugs from the group of cardiac glycosides, bloodletting (if it has not already been carried out). The patient is given an oxygen mask or mask through which he inhales vapors of alcohol or an alcoholic solution of antifomsilan. To remove fluid from the airways, a catheter is used (it is inserted through the nasopharynx). Good results are obtained by drip injection of a solution of urea and sodium bicarbonate, slow introduction of a solution of pentamine. In the case of severe pain, the patient is injected with an analgesic (it is allowed to use narcotic analgesics) or inhaled with nitrous oxide.

First aid for pulmonary edema is an important factor influencing further treatment and recovery. It allows you to prepare the patient for medical procedures, preventing the pathology from progressing. The algorithm for providing assistance is based on the relief of negative symptoms.

Pulmonary edema is accompanied by dysfunctions of the brain, oxygen deprivation. This condition requires urgent qualified medical attention. In severe cases, death is possible.

Briefly about pulmonary edema

Signs of pulmonary edema can be confused with symptoms of other diseases. However, when they occur, a person needs emergency medical attention.

Common symptoms of the disease:

dry cough;
squeezing, chest pain;
pale skin;
breathing problems;
confusion, panic, anxiety;
increased blood pressure;
tachycardia;
increased sweating;
bronchospasm.

When a large amount of fluid accumulates in the lungs, alveolar edema develops. Symptoms are severely aggravated and can be alleviated by sitting with arms outstretched.

Signs of the second stage:

hoarseness, severe cough;
increasing shortness of breath;
bubbling breath;
intense attacks of suffocation;
there is swelling of the veins in the cervical spine;
cyanosis of the skin;
significant increase in heart rate (about 160 beats);
confused consciousness;
the level of blood pressure decreases;
a feeling of fear of death develops;
the pulse is poorly felt;
there is a release of sputum of different colors, foamy structure;

Coma is possible without medical assistance. Edema with asthmatic attacks provokes the destruction of the tissues of the respiratory tract, which ultimately can lead to the death of the patient.

First aid before the ambulance arrives

Correct actions will help to normalize the condition before the ambulance arrives. Algorithm for providing emergency care:

when asthmatic attacks appear, call an ambulance;
the patient needs to take a sitting or semi-sitting position with the legs down;
put your feet in hot water;
open the windows to ensure the circulation of fresh air in the room;
unbutton, remove clothes that prevent the patient from breathing;
measure blood pressure;
with a heart pressure above 90 mm, give the patient a nitroglycerin tablet sublingually;
to reduce cardiac load and venous blood retention, tourniquets are worn on the legs;
the harnesses are applied alternately, they can be on the legs for no more than 20 minutes;
when the blood pressure level returns to normal, it is necessary to get rid of excess fluid in the lungs with the help of diuretics;
carry out inhalations with an aqueous solution of alcohol (for children 30%, adults 96%) - will help remove foamy discharge.

Ambulance actions on arrival and transportation of the victim

The algorithm of actions of medical workers who came to the call begins with the introduction of powerful painkillers, such as Morphine, to the patient. Also, drugs are used to normalize the hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary circle, diuretics with nitroglycerin. To transport the patient, the following manipulations are carried out:

the patient must be placed on his back so that his body is slightly raised;
if diuretics were not used, turnstiles should be placed on the legs, while maintaining the arterial pulse;
oxygen therapy (if necessary, a tube is inserted into the trachea for artificial ventilation);
carrying out inhalations with aqueous solutions of alcohol;
every half hour of inhalation, the patient should breathe normal air;
an electric pump is used to remove foamy secretions from the upper lungs;
to eliminate blood clots in the pulmonary arteries, anticoagulants are used that help thin the blood;
to normalize the heart rate, drugs of the group of cardiac glycosides are used;
if the condition is accompanied by attacks of nausea, vomiting, ventricular tachycardia, glycosides are prohibited;
if the swelling is caused by drugs, drugs are used to reduce muscle tone;
with high diastolic pressure, an injection of nitroglycerin is necessary;
to eliminate bronchial symptoms, Methylprednisolone, Dexamethasone are used;
with a weakened heart rate (below 50 beats), Euphyllin is used with Atropine;
for bronchial asthma, pentamine, sodium nitroprusside are used.

Further treatment of the patient

The tactics of treating pulmonary edema are selected by a doctor in the intensive care unit. It is necessary to regularly monitor the indicators of pulse, blood pressure, breathing ability of the patient. Any medication is injected into the body using a catheter.

After stopping the edema, you need to find the cause that provoked it and choose a method of treatment.

A prerequisite is the use of antibiotics, antiviral agents. Also, treatment is accompanied by anti-inflammatory, expectorant medications with immunomodulators.

If the cause of the edema is intoxication, it is necessary to take a course of drugs to eliminate the symptoms, sometimes with the use of antiemetics. Diuretic drugs in combination with a course of normalizing the water-salt balance are not excluded.

Acute edema caused by pancreatitis is eliminated with drugs that weaken the function of the pancreas. The treatment is carried out in a complex with enzyme medicines, preparations for the regeneration of necrotic foci.

To eliminate asthmatic symptoms, bronchodilators, glucocorticosteroids, and drugs to thin sputum are prescribed.
For cirrhosis of the liver, thioctic acid is used.
With myocardial infarction, a course of beta-andrenoblockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, drugs to protect against blood clots are required.

After a successful treatment, the patient needs to undergo regular preventive examinations throughout the year, adhere to the recommendations of the attending physician.

Pulmonary edema is a dangerous pathological condition that, without proper medical measures, can lead to death. To prevent negative consequences, it is important to know the rules of first aid and how to conduct treatment in general.

Pulmonary edema occurs when fluid accumulates in the lungs instead of air. Violation of blood circulation in the lungs, insufficient oxygen supply to the lungs and alveoli, can also cause pathogenesis and a progressive form of pulmonary edema, as well as lead to complications of other interconnected organs and the whole body as a whole.

Often, when receiving a traumatic brain injury, with acid and chemical poisoning, with electric shock, the body suffers a great deal of stress and stress, which develops into a more progressive form and pathogenesis of another disease. For example, with the above factors, the pathogenesis of lung disease is formed. Excessive accumulation of fluid in the lungs is formed by the inflow of fluid, which is not absorbed into the vessels.

The initial stage of edema occurs in the interstitium, then it can proceed and pass into the pathogenesis of the alveoli, that is, into alveolar pulmonary edema, which leads to frequent shortness of breath, about 40 per minute, lack of oxygen, cough with foamy discharge, wheezing during breathing. This phase and the form is the most severe and advanced, which must be identified and provide emergency treatment for pulmonary edema.

Cause of edema

Basically, the reasons are associated with heart failure and disease. However, heart disease does not always lead to the appearance of pulmonary edema, therefore, two types of disease are designated and distinguished:

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema;
Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema.

The first case occurs with pathological overload of the heart, as well as with acute heart failure. Basically, such symptoms are provoked by disease and dysfunction of the ventricle of the heart, disturbances and dysfunctions of atrial contraction, as well as disturbances in the general pause (diastole) of the heart.

The second case is not associated with malfunctioning of the heart. Pulmonary edema may occur with myocardial infarction, with stagnation of blood in the vessels of the lung. Fluid can accumulate during illness of other vital organs and are directly related to the normal functioning of the lung. The causes of edema can be the following:

Toxic damage to the tissues of the alveoli;
Various diseases and defects of the cardiovascular system;
Damage and disease of the lungs - fungal diseases, pneumonia, lung tumors, bronchitis, tuberculosis;
Hemorrhagic acute pulmonary edema - influenza pneumonia;
Diseases with intoxication - influenza, measles, scarlet fever, laryngitis, whooping cough, diphtheria, etc.

Mechanical factors, such as obstructing the airway from entering the airway, can also cause breathing problems. This is possible if water, foreign objects, asphyxiant gases, and vomiting enter the lungs. This symptom is common with excessive alcohol consumption, frequent and uncontrolled use of medications, frequent heartburn, drug use, poisoning with poisons, gases and other damage to the lung.

When doing physical education or any other sport in the cold, in a cold room, deviations may also occur. Kidney disease, which is responsible for removing excess fluid from the body, causes pulmonary edema. Medical assistance in this case is compulsory and one cannot hesitate with it.

Like any disease of the body, pulmonary edema develops and reaches a certain form of neglect and has a stage of the disease:

Acute form - may appear within 2 hours;
A fast or lightning-fast form develops in a matter of time, 2-3 minutes;
The protracted form occurs in a day or 2-3 hours.

Regardless of the stage of the disease, form, cause and pathogenesis, urgent medical attention required, but before the ambulance arrives, first aid to the patient is needed in order to avoid the development of a more advanced and difficult phase. In any case, lung disease is a serious matter and has serious consequences.

Symptoms suggestive of pulmonary edema

Since the causes and possible pathogenesis have been identified, it is possible to recognize the symptoms of pulmonary edema, and the first aid provided can to some extent reduce the risk of complications.

With the advanced phase and the development of the disease, shortness of breath appears, increasing over time. Along with shortness of breath, breathing may become more frequent. It can appear both during physical exertion and at rest;

Pulmonary edema can cause oxygen depletion, resulting in impaired functionality in other organs. When diagnosed with a stethoscope, characteristic wheezing and even gurgling are heard, which indicate the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli;

Dizziness and dizziness are common symptoms of pulmonary edema. The patient may feel sleepy, tired;

The pathogenesis of fulminant edema is manifested by a feeling of suffocation and occurs during sleep. Over time, a cough appears, sputum with a progressive manifestation becomes liquid, almost like water;

Breathing becomes more difficult, whistling and wheezing is heard;

The patient's face becomes pale and sweat appears. Emotional breakdown and mood with thoughts of death may manifest;

An attack can last for about half an hour, and at this time emergency care is needed, which must be provided immediately to prevent the death of the patient.

Providing first aid

In most cases, with the possibility of lung problems, many do not even know how to behave in this situation and how an emergency patient should look like. Regardless of the cause of the edema, the following methods should be applied in providing first aid:

First, the patient needs to restore breathing. and so that he does not suffocate, it is best for him to take a sitting position. The nitroglycerin tablet at this moment will be in place, it must be placed under the patient's tongue until it is completely absorbed. If suffocation continues, you need to give the next 10 minutes after the first tablet;

To prevent the spread of the attack and its development, the patient needs to put cans on his back, mustard plasters on his feet;

Until the ambulance arrives, you need to give 20 drops of valerian every 30 minutes... If the person's condition improves, then an expectorant can be given;

Inhalation should be carried out in vapors of 70% alcohol for adults, and 30% for children;

With increased pressure, bloodletting is performed - for children 100-200 ml of blood, for adults 200-300 ml;

To access oxygen into the respiratory tract, an oxygen bag is used.

Emergency care at such a moment is simply necessary and can save the patient's life, every second counts and can be decisive.

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Treatment in progress

Pulmonary edema is a very serious condition with serious and dangerous consequences. Is not ! To resort to traditional medicine for this disease is not entirely effective and advisable, since it is most often used for prophylaxis and at the initial stage of the disease.

Basically, in traditional medicine, various herbal decoctions are used, which contribute to the expectoration of liquid. With a severe and dangerous form of the disease, medical treatment is indispensable.

To reduce blood flow to the lungs, diuretics, vasodilators, bloodletting, and tourniquet are used. To saturate the lungs with oxygen, oxygenation is performed, which allows air to circulate.

In a short time, doctors need to identify the true cause of the problem and choose the right treatment. When carrying out primary care to the patient, drug treatment is prescribed with the introduction of drugs intravenously. Morphine has a beneficial effect on relieving edema.

What can pulmonary edema lead to?

Knowing about the disorders in the body, you can prevent the development of the disease and avoid disastrous consequences. To avoid danger, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, make timely diagnostics of the state of the body and identify the disease at the initial stage.

In any case, medical intervention is necessary so that pulmonary edema does not lead to fatal consequences and outcomes. And they can happen because oxygen deprivation can lead to oxygen starvation and other vital organs.

In cases where the amount of fluid in the lungs significantly exceeds the normal level, they speak of pulmonary edema. It is manifested by bubbling breathing, choking, severe coughing, shortness of breath even in the absence of physical activity.

Description of the disease

A condition characterized by the accumulation of physiological fluid in the alveoli and lungs is called edema... This syndrome often occurs suddenly and leads to a lack of oxygen in the blood and the development of hypoxia.

The function of the lungs is to saturate the body with an air mixture and participate in the process of gas exchange. Edema develops when the fluid contained in the capillaries passes into the alveoli of the lung. Organs filled with water instead of air lose the ability to perform their main function. The patient has a feeling of tightness in the chest, cyanosis of the skin, acute shortage of air, cough, accompanied by sputum discharge.

Pulmonary edema is a complication of diseases:

cardiovascular system (myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia, hypertension, cardiosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, mitral stenosis);
respiratory organs (bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, emphysema, tuberculosis);
infectious origin (influenza, measles, scarlet fever, whooping cough, tetanus);
gastroenterological profile (acute pancreatitis, cirrhosis, intestinal obstruction);
neurological focus (meningitis, encephalitis).

Often, the condition is recorded with chest injuries, poisoning with chemicals and drugs, burns and extensive intoxication of the body.

Kinds

Depending on the reasons that caused the development of this condition, the following are distinguished types of edema:

hydrostatic develop in conditions when there is an increase in intracapillary hydrostatic pressure, and blood plasma enters the intercellular space, and then into the alveoli. The main causes are circulatory disorders, cardiac dysfunction, obstructive manifestations, pulmonary embolism;
membranogenic are noted when the integrity of the walls of the capillaries or alveoli is violated, followed by the penetration of fluid into the pulmonary space. The main reasons are pneumonia, sepsis, ingestion of toxins.

There are 4 variants of the course of this disease:

fulminant- develops rapidly, in a few minutes. As a rule, it is fatal;
spicy- characterized by a rapid (up to 4 hours) increase in manifestations. Often develops with craniocerebral trauma, myocardial infarction, anaphylactic shock;
subacute- differs in a wave-like course, with a gradual increase in symptoms. Most often observed with intoxication of the body of various origins;
protracted- proceeds without pronounced clinical signs, typical of chronic diseases of the lungs and cardiovascular system. It can develop over several days.

Causes

The main reasons for the development of pulmonary edema include:

disruption of the functioning of the lymphatic system - leads to a slowdown in the processes of fluid withdrawal and, as a result, the occurrence of edema;
acute intoxication of the body. It is caused by the ingress of toxic substances during an overdose of drugs and medical preparations. A number of diseases are also accompanied by the release of toxins, for example, pneumonia, sepsis;
pathology of the cardiovascular system. They lead to an increase in pressure in the capillaries and the development of edema. Observed with myocardial infarction, bronchial asthma, mitral valve disease;
predisposition to blood clots. The separation of a blood clot in the pulmonary artery can lead to its blockage, which is the primary cause of an increase in hydrostatic pressure and the development of edema;
diseases characterized by low oncotic pressure, i.e., a decrease in protein levels - cirrhosis, kidney disease;
quick ascent to a height of over 3000 m;
chest injuries accompanied by pneumothorax - air ingress into the body cavity;
traumatic brain injury;
long-term artificial ventilation of the lungs;
uncontrolled intravenous infusion of medications.

Symptoms

In most cases, pulmonary edema develops rapidly and suddenly. This happens most often at night. Experts attribute this to the horizontal position of a person during sleep. If there is a history of thromboembolism, edema can form at any time of the day.

The most pronounced symptoms of this condition include:

feeling short of breath, incessant suffocation;
shortness of breath in the absence of physical activity;
increase, decrease or surges in blood pressure;
dull pain in the chest, which develops due to insufficient oxygen in the blood;
tachycardia - heart palpitations;
frequent bubbling breathing, often accompanied by the release of foam from the mouth;
cough, at first rare dry, then paroxysmal with pronounced wheezing;
the skin of the face and nails acquire a bluish tint - cynosis;
pallor of the skin, indicating a dysfunction of the left ventricle;
manifestation and enlargement of veins in the neck;
profuse cold sweat;
rapidly growing confusion, lethargy, often ending in a coma.

Before the onset of a coma, the patient has a sharp decrease in blood pressure, breathing becomes intermittent and shallow, and the pulse becomes weak.

Urgent care

Knowledge of first aid methods for pulmonary edema helps to avoid the development of irreversible complications and prevent death. First of all, you need:

call an ambulance. One should take into account the possibility of the rapid development of the disease and not expect a possible improvement in the patient's condition;
to seat a person, giving him an upright position, while the legs go down. It is strictly forbidden to lay the patient horizontally.;
get rid of clothing restricting breathing and movement, take off your tie;
provide access to fresh air;
to reduce the load on the heart muscle, it is recommended to apply tourniquets to the upper thighs for up to 20 minutes. In this case, it is important not to allow the complete disappearance of the pulse. The procedure can be repeated several times. The imposition of venous tourniquets is contraindicated in case of a tendency to form blood clots;
take a nitroglycerin tablet to facilitate blood flow;
promptly remove the foam released when coughing. To reduce its formation will help the regular application of a napkin dipped in medical alcohol or vodka to the nose and mouth;
provide intravenous administration of a diuretic - a diuretic ("Lasix") to accelerate the process of removing fluid from the lungs;
take a sedative, such as valerian or motherwort tincture;
if possible, use an oxygen mask.

Most experts recognize the effectiveness of bloodletting to reduce pressure in the pulmonary circulation, which can significantly reduce congestion in the lungs. The volume of blood withdrawn should not be less than 300 ml.

Other medical procedures are performed in a hospital under the strict supervision of resuscitators.

Diagnostics

For the correct treatment of pulmonary edema, it is necessary to reliably determine the cause that caused it. Before conducting laboratory tests, it is necessary to carefully collect an anamnesis. In case of unconsciousness of the patient, the clinical manifestations of the disease are assessed. For this, the following methods are used:

percussion - tapping of the sternum, which makes it possible to identify the presence of a pathological process in the lungs;
listening - allows you to determine the rigidity of breathing, the presence of wheezing;
pressure measurement - with edema it is often increased;
determination of the pulse rate - fast frequent beats indicate the possible development of the disease.

Among laboratory research the most informative are:

biochemical blood test - allows you to establish the cause of the edema based on the amount of troponins, total protein, albumin, urea;
coagulogram - determination of blood clotting, which changes with edema caused by thromboembolism.

Instrumental methods allow you to establish the presence of edema and identify the cause:

pulse oximetry - determination of the oxygen content in the blood. Low rates (less than 90%) indicate the presence of a disease;
measurement of pressure in large veins - with edema, the value of central venous pressure exceeds 12 mm / RT. Art. Produced by means of a special Waldman phlebotonometer;
X-ray - allows you to detect the presence of fluid in the lungs, expansion of the roots of the lungs and the borders of the heart;
an electrocardiogram makes it possible to determine arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia and other diseases;
Ultrasound allows you to visualize problem areas.

Treatment

Pulmonary edema is a serious condition that requires prompt and qualified medical attention. At the first signs of the development of the disease, it is necessary to deliver the patient to the hospital. Emergency activities include:

giving a person an upright position (sitting or half-sitting);
the imposition of tourniquets on the lower extremities;
hot foot baths, bloodletting to reduce the return of blood flow to the heart;
additional oxygen supply through defoamers;
transferring the patient to artificial ventilation.

Treatment is carried out in intensive care units. Experts constantly monitor the patient's pulse, pressure, and respiratory rate, and establish the cause of the edema.

Treatment includes:

inhalation of oxygen in combination with ethyl-containing substances that have the ability to extinguish foam formed in the lungs. The oxygen supply through the 95% medical alcohol poured into the humidifier is highly efficient;
intravenous nitroglycerin is especially recommended for patients with high blood pressure;
the introduction of "Dubotamine" or "Dopamine" (intravenously) with a decrease in blood pressure;
carrying out sedative therapy by intravenous administration of 1% morphine solution in an amount of 1 ml;
taking diuretics to quickly remove fluid from the lungs. Furosemide, taken once in an amount of 40 mg, has proven itself well. Re-use of the drug is allowed if necessary;
intravenous administration of atropine (1 mg) with a rare heartbeat;
plasma transfusion with low blood protein levels;
the use of drugs to improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system (0.06% solution of "Korglikon");
detoxification therapy for toxic edema;
taking broad-spectrum antibiotics in the presence of infectious diseases (sepsis, pneumonia).

Most drugs are injected through a catheter directly into the subclavian vein.

After the relief of acute symptoms of pulmonary edema, intensive treatment of the underlying disease is performed.

Potential consequences and complications

The consequences of pulmonary edema can be most serious. This condition leads to the development of respiratory failure. Prolonged lack of oxygen has a detrimental effect on the cells of the brain and central nervous system, liver and kidneys. Dysfunction of these organs can cause acute heart failure and lead to death.

The following diseases often occur:

atelectasis;
emphysema;
pneumosclerosis;
congestive pneumonia;
ischemic damage to internal organs.

If the causes of the development of the disease are not determined and are not completely eliminated, relapses of this condition may occur. Mortality from edema ranges from 20 to 50%, and when it develops against the background of a heart attack, it exceeds 90%.

Reliable determination of the cause of pulmonary edema and timely treatment started contributes to a favorable outcome.

What is pulmonary edema? You can also find answers to other questions by watching the video.

Pulmonary edema is considered a serious complication of many heart conditions. Severe intolerance, trauma, and chemical poisoning can still cause a dangerous phenomenon. The human condition is rapidly deteriorating, the functioning of the heart muscle and respiratory sections is disrupted. The algorithm of actions for emergency care for pulmonary edema is performed first at home, then in a medical institution.

With edema of the lung tissue, it loses its ability to provide oxygen to tissues and organs, remove carbon dioxide from the blood. It is not difficult to identify such a serious condition of a patient if his main symptoms are known. Edema can develop with lightning speed, acutely, subacutely and for a long time.

Forerunners come first. These include progressive shortness of breath, rapid breathing, frequent coughing attacks, wet wheezing.

Symptoms arising against this background.

Soreness in the sternum, squeezing sensation.
Physical activity increases, shortness of breath develops.
Disorders of the functioning of the respiratory system appear. The patient does not have enough air, there are frequent ventricular contractions. Breathing becomes loud, rapid, and gusty.
Cold sweat appears on the body, it acquires a bluish color.
At the beginning, the cough is dry, then mucus begins to flow. As a result, the sputum becomes foamy and pinkish in color.
In severe conditions, foam is released from the nasal passages, the person suffocates.
The patient is very frightened, his consciousness grows cloudy. As the clinical signs intensify, the pulse decreases.
Blue appears on the lips, moist rales are clearly audible.

In the transient stage, all danger signs develop rapidly. Due to the sudden flow, it is extremely difficult to save life with this form. First aid for pulmonary edema of a protracted type of development is much more effective than with a fleeting phase.

First aid

Assisting with pulmonary edema should be timely, only then there is a chance to normalize the condition with minimal risks. Sometimes death can occur after 1.5-2 hours. Before the arrival of the medical team, a number of manipulations are required that will help stabilize the condition and reduce the risk of death.

With pulmonary edema, the following algorithm of actions is required.

Place the person in a position that is comfortable for him.
Tie a tourniquet on the arms and legs. Make sure that the bandage is not too tight.
Give the person Nitroglycerin under the tongue or Aspirin.
Check the patient's blood pressure.

The victim can provide initial assistance to himself, or his relatives, acquaintances.

It is important to sit in a comfortable position to make it easier to breathe and to reduce congestion.

Advice on behavior for pulmonary edema.

Better to sit down with your legs down. This will make it possible to eliminate or slow down shortness of breath. In a semi-seated position, the pressure in the sternum decreases.
With edema of the respiratory tract, hypoxemia appears. It is necessary to provide oxygen access to the blood. To do this, open the windows in the room where the victim is.
First aid for pulmonary edema at home is used with nitrate. Such medications promote the expansion of the coronary arteries, increase myocardial plasma saturation. Nitroglycerin is more effective in edema that occurs simultaneously with an acute heart attack.

It is important to increase blood circulation to the heart muscle and reduce peripheral blood volume.

To do this, the arms and legs are tied with strong bundles (from a towel, a cuff from a thermometer). First aid for pulmonary edema will buy time before the arrival of the emergency medical team.

Reducing the amount of foam blocking the airway

Alcohol vapors are used, they will reduce the volume of the foam. Apply a towel dipped in an alcoholic liquid to the nose or mouth area, or use an inhaler.

Emergency care for cardiac asthma and pulmonary edema involves performing resuscitation actions for cardiac arrest. Indirect massage should be performed with pressure on the sternum at least 100-120 times every 60 seconds. They resort to using a defibrillator with a monophasic or biphasic pulse waveform.

The bandages are placed at the very top of the leg, up to the thigh. Thanks to this event, the cardiac load is reduced.

The technique of applying venous tourniquets for pulmonary edema.

Taking a sitting position with legs hanging to the floor, sit like this for 5-10 minutes.
The application of tourniquets for pulmonary edema on the legs is performed at the same time. They should be 15-20 centimeters from the groin. Any fabric is placed under the elastic.
In parallel, the right hand is pulled with a bandage in the shoulder area. It should be taut so that blood flow through the veins is free.
You should check your pulse regularly, every 20 minutes.

The condition of the legs and arms should be monitored constantly. Focus on the skin tone in the area of the tourniquet. If pallor of the skin is noted, this signals trophic disruptions in the tissues, the gum should be loosened.

Qualified medical care

Doctors carry out complex manipulations.

First aid for pulmonary edema in a hospital is aimed at achieving the following goals:

normalization of high blood pressure;
restoration of heart rhythm;
adjusting acid and bile levels.

List of medicines used.

With a heart attack, Nitroglycerin is shown, diluted with 500 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution, also Clopidogrel, Heparin. Normalize the functioning of the heart with thiazide diuretics, appoint Strofantin or Korglikon. With severe pain, the patient is given antispasmodics, in difficult situations - Promedol.
For arrhythmias - antiarrhythmic medicines - Verapamil, Metoprolol, Atropine.
Hypertensive crisis - nitrates and furosemide are injected into the vein.
Various diseases of an infectious nature - antibacterial drugs are indicated.
The allergic nature is eliminated by anti-allergenic medicines, glucocorticosteroids.
Hypoalbumenia, identification of insufficient amount of protein - Albumin is injected intravenously.
If blood pressure is increased, ganglion blockers are shown, they reduce the tension on the heart muscle. Effective medicines of this series include Pentamin, Benzohexonium.
Oxygen therapy is performed.

If necessary, neuroleptanalgesia is carried out in order to calm the person. If an attack of bronchial asthma occurs, adrenomimetics are shown - Salbutamol. With the development of sepsis, the patient is given antibacterial drugs.

When there is a tendency to heart disease, the risk of death is extremely high. This condition occurs more often in older people. Weakened protective functions of the body, possible chronic pathologies aggravate the condition and prognosis.

Upon completion of emergency care, therapeutic treatment of swelling of the respiratory muscles is carried out. The patient should adhere to the following recommendations:

follow a salt-free diet, give up fatty foods, sweets;
avoid physical stress;
exclude smoking, alcohol intake.

When emergency care for pulmonary edema is performed in the correct algorithm of actions, subsequent therapy will bring positive results. After the treatment course, the person is under the outpatient supervision of a doctor. Therapy for edema lasts depending on the type of pathology (cardiogenic, non-cardiogenic), the presence of concomitant diseases, the general condition of the body and the age of the patients. Usually, complete recovery occurs in 7-15 days, if the pathology proceeds without complications.