PULMONARY EDEMA


 Types

• Cardiogenic: Due to increased hydrostatic pressure from left heart failure (e.g., MI, hypertension, valvular disease).

• Non‑cardiogenic: Due to increased capillary permeability (e.g., ARDS, sepsis, inhalation injury, high altitude).

⚙️ Pathophysiology (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Increased hydrostatic pressure or capillary leak → fluid moves into interstitial space.

2. Interstitial edema → thickened alveolar walls → impaired diffusion.

3. Alveolar flooding → surfactant dilution → alveolar collapse.

4. Gas exchange failure → hypoxemia, dyspnea, respiratory distress.