How is pulmonary edema treated?
Treatment usually depends on what’s causing the edema. For instance, if it’s due to heart failure, treating the heart condition will treat the edema. Treatment can also ease symptoms. Therapy often includes the following: • Oxygen. This may be given through a mask that goes over the nose. It may be given through a small tube that sits under the nose. Or it may be given through a tube that’s placed into the windpipe (trachea). A ventilator—often called a breathing machine—may also be used. • Medications. These may include diuretics (“water pills”) to help relieve the body of extra fluid. The fluid passes out of the body as urine. Medications to treat the heart may also be given. These can help improve how the heart functions, which helps reduce fluid buildup in the lungs.
