Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
6
pubmed:dateCreated
1992-2-26
pubmed:abstractText
An understanding of the physiological principles involved in lung fluid balance is useful in the initial treatment of pulmonary edema. Normally, a very small volume of fluid is filtered from the pulmonary vasculature into the interstitial space. This interstitial fluid enters the pulmonary lymphatics and is transferred to mediastinal lymphatics at an estimated rate of 20 ml/hr. Under abnormal circumstances, fluid filtration may occur at such a rapid rate that it overwhelms the lymphatics and interstitial space and results in alveolar flooding. This may occur as a result of increased pulmonary vascular pressure or increased vascular permeability. The two general goals of initial therapy are (1) to relieve hypoxemia and (2) to reduce pulmonary capillary pressure. Relieving hypoxemia may require the use of supplemental oxygen by nasal prongs or mask, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask, or even endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Measures to decrease preload and thereby reduce pulmonary capillary pressure include sitting the patient up, administering a loop diuretic or morphine intravenously, and in some circumstances using sublingual nitroglycerin. After initial treatment is underway, a search for and specific management of the underlying cause of pulmonary edema can proceed.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
AIM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Dec
pubmed:issn
0002-9629
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
302
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
385-91
pubmed:dateRevised
2005-11-16
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1991
pubmed:articleTitle
Initial treatment of pulmonary edema: a physiological approach.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Medicine, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review