Pulmonary Edema: Care Instructions

Overview

Pulmonary edema is the buildup of fluid in the lungs. It usually occurs when the heart does not pump blood through the body properly. Pulmonary edema can also be caused by another disease, such as liver or kidney failure. It can also happen at high altitudes, from a poisoning, or as a result of a nonfatal drowning.

If you have fluid in your lungs, you may have trouble breathing, be restless, have a fast heart rate, or cough up foamy pink mucus. Breathing problems may be worse when you lie down.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Medicines

• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
• Review all the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take with your doctor. Do not take any vitamins, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal products without talking to your doctor first.

Diet

• Eat healthy foods. Make an appointment with a dietitian if you need help making a healthy eating plan.
• Limit sodium. Your doctor can tell you how much sodium is right for you.
  • Do not add salt while you are cooking or at the table. Flavor with garlic, lemon juice, onion, vinegar, herbs, and spices instead of salt.
  • Eat fewer processed foods and foods from restaurants, including fast food.
  • Use fresh or frozen foods instead of canned.
  • Count and record how much sodium you eat each day. Check food labels for sodium.
  • Ask your doctor before using salt substitutes that have potassium, such as Lite Salt.

Lifestyle

• Limit your fluids if your doctor tells you to. Limiting fluids can help balance your body's sodium level and relieve swelling.
• Stay out of air pollution; smog; cold, dry air; hot, humid air; and high altitudes.
• Learn breathing methods that help the airflow in and out of your lungs.
• Take rest breaks often. Schedule short rest breaks when doing housework and other activities. An occupational or physical therapist can help you find ways to do everyday activities with less effort.
• Start light exercise if your doctor says it is okay. Try to stay as active as possible. If you have not exercised in the past, start out slowly. For many people, walking is a good way to start.
• Get enough rest at night. Sleeping with 1 or 2 pillows under your upper body and head may help you breathe easier at night.
• Discuss rehabilitation with your doctor. Find out what programs are available in your area.
• Do not smoke, vape, or use other tobacco products. These products can make your condition worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Do not use alcohol or drugs.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have severe trouble breathing.
• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You cough up pink, foamy mucus.
• You have symptoms of a heart attack. These may include:
  • Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest.
  • Sweating.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly or in one or both shoulders or arms.
  • Lightheadedness or sudden weakness.
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat. Pain that spreads from the chest to the neck, jaw, or one or both shoulders or arms.

After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew 1 adult-strength or 2 to 4 low-dose aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have trouble breathing or have wheezing that is getting worse.
• You are coughing more deeply or more often.
• You cough up blood.
• You get a fever.
• You have more swelling in your legs or belly.
• Your symptoms are getting worse.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.