Edema free essay sample

In most cases edema is due to heart failure, which is a condition in which the heart muscle has been damaged and can no longer pump adequate supply of oxygen to the rest of the body. This will increase the blood pressure which will cause fluid to build up in the lungs. If pulmonary edema continues, it can raise pressure in the pulmonary artery and eventually the right ventricle begins to fail. The right ventricle has a much thinner wall of muscle than does the left side because it is under less pressure to pump blood into the lungs. The increased pressure backs up into the right atrium and then into various parts of your body, where it can cause: Leg swelling (edema), abdominal swelling (ascites), buildup of fluid in the membranes that surround your lungs (pleural effusion), congestion and swelling of the liver. When not treated, acute pulmonary edema can be fatal. We will write a custom essay sample on Edema or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In some cases it may be fatal even if you receive treatment. This term paper will talk about the symptoms and treatment options for pulmonary edema. Pulmonary Edema Pulmonary edema is a condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs. This fluid collects in the numerous air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. In most cases, heart problems cause pulmonary edema. Fluid can accumulate for other reasons, including pneumonia, exposure to certain toxins and medications, and exercising or living at high elevations. If a person is diagnosed with pulmonary edema, they should get immediate care right away. Although pulmonary edema can sometimes be fatal, the outlook improves when you receive prompt treatment for pulmonary edema along with treatment for the underlying problem. Treatment for pulmonary edema varies depending on the cause, but generally includes supplemental oxygen and medications. Some of the symptoms for pulmonary Edema are: * Having more shortness of breath than normal when youre physically active. * Difficulty breathing when youre lying flat as opposed to sitting up. * Wheezing. * Awakening at night with a breathless feeling that may be relieved by sitting up. * Rapid weight gain when pulmonary edema develops as a result of congestive heart failure, a condition in which your heart pumps too little blood to meet your bodys needs. The weight gain is from buildup of fluid in your body, especially in your legs. * Swelling in your legs and ankles. * Loss of appetite. * Fatigue. Cardiac pulmonary edema also known as congestive heart failure occurs when the diseased or overworked left ventricle isnt able to pump out enough of the blood it receives from your lungs. As a result, pressure increases inside the left atrium and then in the veins and capillaries in your lungs, causing fluid to be pushed through the capillary walls into the air sacs. Congestive heart failure can also occur when the right ventricle is unable to overcome increased pressure in the pulmonary artery, which usually results from left heart failure, chronic lung disease or high blood pressure in the pulmonary artery (pulmonary hypertension). Pulmonary edema can come from lung infections, such as pneumonia, the edema occurs only in the part of your lung thats swollen. Kidney disease plays a major factor. When your kidneys cant remove waste effectively, excess fluid can build up, causing verload pulmonary edema. Treatment for Pulmonary Edema: * Wear support stockings. These stockings, which can be purchased at most drug stores, put pressure on your legs and keep fluids from collecting in your legs and ankles. * Do not sit or stand for long periods of time without moving. * Ask your doctor about limiting your salt intake. * Your doctor might want you to take a water pill which helps rid your body of excess fluid through your urine. * Protect any swollen areas from additional pressure, injury, and extreme temperatures.