The most common emergency treatment for edema is oxygen delivered with a face mask. Doctors may also use medications like morphine to relieve shortness of breath. Doctors may keep you in the hospital for a few days so they can observe you and make sure you’re healthy enough to go home.
An oxygen mask may dry out your lips, so use lip balm to moisturize them. Your doctor will tell you the correct settings and flow to use on the oxygen tank. Don’t change these settings, or you won’t get the right amount of oxygen. Oxygen is flammable, so never smoke when you have tanks in your home. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you’re prone to edema, your doctor may keep you on this medication to prevent future problems. If you received treatment in the hospital, the doctor may have already given you diuretics in IV form.
The most common blood pressure medications are ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers. The specific type that your doctor uses depends on your condition. Edema could also come from low blood pressure, so your doctor may also try different medications to raise your blood pressure.
A common dosage is 2 mg per day, but follow the dosing instructions on the product you use. CoQ10 can interact with blood-thinning medication, especially warfarin, so don’t take it if you’re on these medications.
Your doctor may recommend a magnesium supplement when the put you on diuretics to prevent any deficiencies.
Inform your massage therapist if you’ve had pulmonary edema so they can adjust their approach accordingly. Check with your doctor before having a back massage. Pressure on your lungs might be harmful if you aren’t fully recovered yet.
Always make sure you visit a licensed and experienced acupuncturist so you’re getting the best treatment.
In general, 4 servings of vegetables and 5 servings of fruit each day are ideal for heart health. Try to include a serving of each in every meal, and snack on some throughout the day as well. [12] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source Replace white and enriched flour products, like bread and rice, with whole-wheat varieties instead. These types provide you with complex carbohydrates for a more sustained energy release.
Don’t add any salt to your food or cooking to cut down on your intake. Get into the habit of reading nutrition labels on all the food you buy. Avoid items that are very high in salt. The exact salt limit might depend on your condition, so follow your doctor’s instructions.
In general, only 10% of your daily calories should come from saturated fats. If you eat 2,000 calories, that means less than 200 should come from saturated fat. [15] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Only 25-30% of your daily calories should come from any type of fat, even healthy fats. Fried and processed foods tend to be very high in saturated fat, along with rid meat. Avoid them as much as you can.
If your urine is dark yellow, then you’re getting dehydrated. Drink more water.
Aerobic exercises are cardiovascular activities that raise your heart rate, like running, swimming, or kickboxing. You can also take a simple walk each day. If you’re recovering from pulmonary edema, don’t start exercising until your doctor tells you it’s safe. They may recommend that you start out with some lighter activities to avoid overstressing your body. [18] X Research source
Even if you have a lot of weight to lose, avoid crash or extreme dieting. Dropping a lot of weight too fast is unhealthy and people often regain weight when they stop extreme diets. It’s better to lose weight in a slower, sustainable way. [20] X Research source
For a simple breathing exercise, lay back and breathe in as deeply as you can. Hold the breath in and release it slowly. Do this 5-10 times in a row. [22] X Trustworthy Source Cancer Research UK U. K. -based cancer research and advocacy charity Go to source Ask your doctor if your lungs are healthy enough for these exercises first.
If your edema was caused by heart disease or an infection, then you probably can’t do much to avoid the cause. Still, avoiding irritants and other things that could make you choke is a good idea, since you might have trouble breathing until you completely heal. Wearing a mask whenever you’re working around dust or chemicals is always helpful, even if you haven’t experienced pulmonary edema.
Don’t do anything dangerous to get to a low altitude. Descend slowly and safely. You may not be able to get on an airplane if your edema isn’t completely healed yet. Always ask your doctor before flying to make sure it’s safe.
Secondhand smoke can also cause health problems, so don’t let anyone smoke inside your home either.
