Treatment:

Pulmonary edema is most always treated in the emergency room or hospital intensive care unit (ICU).

• Oxygen is given through a face mask or tiny plastic tubes placed in the nose.
• A breathing tube may be placed into the windpipe (trachea).
• A breathing machine (ventilator) may be needed.

The cause of the edema should be rapidly identified and treated. For example, if a heart attack has caused the condition, it must be treated.

Medications that may be prescribed include:

• Diuretics, which remove excess fluids from the body
• Medicines to strengthen the heart muscle, control the heart beat, or relieve pressure on the heart

Expectations (prognosis):

Outlook depends on the cause. The condition may resolve quickly or slowly. Some patients may need to use a breathing machine for a long time. If not treated, this condition can be deadly.

Calling your health care provider:

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have breathing problems.