The two types of pulmonary edema

Fluid can sometimes build up in the lungs, and we generally refer to this as pulmonary edema.  There are two types of pulmonary edema: 

1.  Caradiogenic:  Fluid backs up from a weakened heart.  Pulmonary pressure increases, and this fluid is forced into the parychemal tissue lining the bronchi and alveoi.

2.  Noncardiogenic:  The heart did not cause the pulmonary edema.  There is a simple pneumonic to remember all the disorders that fit into this category:  NOT CARDIAC.  As noted:

• Near drowning
• Oxygen therapy
• Transfusion or Trauma
• CNS disorder
• ARDS, aspiration or altitude sickness
• Renal disorder or resuscitation
• Drugs
• Inhaled toxins
• Allergic alveolitis
• Contrast or contusion

Twitter