What is the treatment for pulmonary edema?
The treatment of pulmonary edema largely depends on its cause and severity. Most cases of cardiac pulmonary edema are treated by using diuretics (water pills) along with other medications for heart failure. In the majority of situations, appropriate treatment can be achieved as an outpatient by taking oral medications. If the pulmonary edema is more severe or it is not responsive to oral medications, then hospitalization and the use of intravenous diuretic medications may be necessary. The treatment for noncardiac causes of pulmonary edema varies depending on the cause. For example, severe infection (sepsis) needs to treated with antibiotics and other supportive measures, or kidney failure needs to be properly evaluated and managed. Oxygen supplementation is sometimes necessary if the measured oxygen level in the blood is too low. In serious conditions, such as ARDS, placing a patient on an artificial breathing machine is necessary to support their breathing while other measures are ta
