Pulmonary Edema Research Paper

A. Etiology – The cause of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema is caused by primary conditions such as left-sided congestive heart failure, hypoproteinemia, toxic gas inhalation, tumors, or a blocked lymphatic drainage. This condition may also be idiopathic, which means there is no known cause for the condition.
B. Pathophysiology – The condition itself refers to the build up of fluid in the alveoli and interstitial space. We are taking about the cardiogenic form that means it’s caused by the heart. Left ventricular failure means that the left ventricle can’t pump to the aorta, so hydrostatic pressure in the left ventricle will increase. This in turn increases pressure in the pulmonary veins and this will increase hydrostatic pressure in the pulmonary capillaries. This pressure causes fluids to start building up in the interstitial space, which causes the development of edema. The fluid then interferes with oxygen diffusion, which may lead to the collapse of the lung.
C. Signs and Symptoms – If the patient is in the mild stages then their signs and symptoms will include coughing, crackles, and orthopnea (trouble breathing lying down). In the more severe stages of this illness symptoms may include: hemoptysis, cyanosis, labored breathing, the feeling …show more content…
Assessment - The paramedic should assess the patient to make sure they are not suffering another ailment. The signs and symptoms are the biggest hints to eliminate other differential diagnoses. The paramedic should auscultate the patient and listen to heart and breathing sounds. The paramedic may want to do a 12 lead if the patient complains of chest pain. The paramedic should check the vitals as with every patient and check the SpO2, as it may be low because the fluid interferes with oxygen diffusion. The paramedic should do the regular SAMPLE and OPQRST as well. The paramedic should also ask if the patient has any past medical history such as breathing or cardiac problems and if they have been hospitalized

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