Pulmonary Edema (cont.)
What are the risk factors for pulmonary edema?
The risk factors for pulmonary edema are essentially the underlying causes of
the condition. There isn't any specific risk factor for pulmonary edema other
than risk factors
for the causative conditions.
What are the symptoms of pulmonary edema?
The most common symptom of pulmonary edema is shortness
of breath or breathlessness. This may be of gradual onset if the process slowly develops, or
it can have a sudden onset in the case of acute pulmonary edema.
Other common symptoms may include easy fatigue, more
rapidly developing shortness of breath than normal with usual activity (dyspnea
on exertion), rapid breathing (tachypnea), dizziness, or weakness.
Low blood oxygen level (hypoxia) may be detected in patients with pulmonary
edema. Furthermore, upon examination of the lungs with a stethoscope, the doctor
may listen for abnormal lung sounds, such as rales or crackles (discontinuous
short bubbling sounds corresponding to the splashing of the fluid in the alveoli
during breathing).
When should I seek medical care for pulmonary edema?
Medical attention should be sought for anyone who is diagnosed with pulmonary
edema of any cause. Many causes of pulmonary edema require hospitalization,
especially if they are caused acutely. In some cases of chronic (long term)
pulmonary edema, for example, with congestive heart failure, routine follow-up
visits with the treating doctor may be recommended.
Most cases of pulmonary edema are treated by internal medicine doctors
(internists), heart specialists (cardiologists), or lung doctors
(pulmonologists).
Next: How is pulmonary edema diagnosed? »
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