How Do You Treat Pulmonary Edema?

Key Ways to Treat Pulmonary Edema at Home

Pulmonary edema develops when fluid accumulates in the lungs' sacs, making breathing difficult. Shortness of breath, coughing, and a suffocating sensation are symptoms of impaired oxygen exchange caused by this excess fluid.

The most common cause of pulmonary edema is heart issues, especially heart failure. It can develop suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). For people with this potentially fatal illness, prompt treatment is essential to avoiding complications and enhancing results.

Keep reading to understand the common treatment methods for pulmonary edema.

What are the Treatment Methods for Pulmonary Edema?

Pulmonary edema treatment includes increasing oxygenation, eliminating extra fluid from the lungs, and treating the underlying cause. Particularly in acute cases, management starts in a hospital and may include the following interventions:

Oxygen Therapy

The first line of treatment for pulmonary edema is to provide more oxygen to the patient. Oxygen is delivered to help maintain appropriate blood oxygen levels and facilitate breathing. A face mask, nasal cannula, and, in more severe situations, a mechanical ventilator or positive airway pressure device (CPAP or BiPAP) are used to deliver oxygen.

Diuretics

Drugs that increase urine production, such as furosemide (Lasix), are frequently used to flush out excess fluid from the body. This helps to relieve symptoms by lowering the pressure in the heart and lungs.

Medicines for Blood Pressure

Doctors may prescribe blood pressure-lowering medications to reduce the strain on the heart and stop additional fluid accumulation. This includes beta-blockers, ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, and vasodilators (such as nitroglycerin).

Inotropes

These medications can be given intravenously to patients with severe heart failure to stabilize blood pressure and enhance the heart's pumping function.

Morphine

Although its use is now less common due to potential risks, morphine can be used in certain situations to relieve anxiety and shortness of breath.

Treating the Underlying Cause

Diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of pulmonary edema, such as a heart attack, arrhythmia, kidney failure, or exposure to high altitude, is also necessary for effective management.

Mechanical Ventilation

If oxygen therapy and medications are insufficient, mechanical ventilation may be necessary to support breathing until the condition stabilizes.

How Long Does Pulmonary Edema Last?

The duration of pulmonary edema varies widely based on its cause, severity, and how quickly treatment is initiated. Their duration often depends on their respective types, which is discussed below:

1. Acute Pulmonary Edema

Those caused by a heart attack or sudden heart failure can resolve within hours to days with prompt and effective treatment.

2. Chronic Pulmonary Edema

Often linked to long-standing heart or kidney disease, it may persist for weeks or longer and requires ongoing management to prevent recurrence. Recovery time also depends on the patient's response to therapy and whether complications arise. Symptoms can improve rapidly in some cases, mainly when the underlying cause is controlled.

However, pulmonary edema may return or develop into a chronic illness if the underlying condition is not treated, requiring lifestyle modifications and long-term care.

What are the home remedies for pulmonary edema?

Pulmonary edema is an emergency medical condition that requires hospital care. However, individuals can take the following supportive measures at home to help manage chronic cases and reduce the risk of recurrence. Here are some of the lifestyle considerations:

Track daily fluid consumption as advised by a healthcare provider, especially for those with heart or kidney issues.
Reducing sodium intake can lessen the strain on the heart and assist in avoiding fluid retention.
Take prescribed medications, such as diuretics and blood pressure drugs, consistently and as directed.
Daily weight checks can help detect fluid retention early, allowing for timely intervention.
Sleeping with the head elevated can make breathing easier, especially at night.
Avoid smoking and alcohol as both can worsen heart and lung function, increasing the risk of pulmonary edema.
Engage in physical activity as a doctor recommends to improve heart health and circulation.

Immediate medical aid is necessary if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, such as severe shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion.

What is the Best Natural Cure for Edema?

There is no substitute for medical treatment when it comes to pulmonary edema, as it is a potentially fatal condition. However, certain lifestyle and dietary modifications can support overall health and may help manage mild, chronic forms of edema, such as:

Improve Blood Circulation

The best natural approaches to managing edema focus on reducing fluid retention and improving circulation. Elevating the affected limbs, staying well-hydrated, and reducing salt intake are foundational steps that help the body regulate fluid balance.

Reduce Swelling

Soaking swollen areas in an Epsom salt bath can decrease swelling and provide symptomatic relief.

Dietary Habits

Incorporating diuretic herbs such as dandelion, parsley, hawthorn, coriander, ajwain seeds, and juniper as teas or supplements may also support the body’s natural ability to eliminate excess fluid.

Consuming potassium-rich foods like bananas and sweet potatoes, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular exercise further aid in managing edema. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting herbal remedies, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

While these measures can help prevent and manage chronic edema, they do not replace medical therapy in acute pulmonary edema. Always consult a healthcare provider before trying natural remedies, especially if you have a history of heart or lung disease.

It is also advised to have health insurance to protect your finances during medical emergencies. At Star Health, we offer extensive coverage for respiratory diseases under our Star Health Assure Insurance Policy. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.