Pulmonary oedema

Pulmonary oedema is fluid accumulation in the lungs. It leads to impaired gas exchange and may cause respiratory failure. It is due to either failure of the heart to remove fluid from the lung circulation or a direct injury to the lung parenchyma. Treatment depends on the cause, but focuses on maximizing respiratory function and removing the cause. Terapy must be fast and intensive. This algorithm takes us through the situation from ensuring the patient in prehospital care until professional treatment and therapy in the hospital.