[Pulmonary edema]

An acute respiratory insufficiency as a result of pulmonary oedema is regarded as a life threatening emergency event. Diagnostic classification differentiates between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic lung oedema. Symptomatic treatment of the impaired gas exchange often precedes a causal therapy of the underlying disease. For this purpose non-invasive ventilation, in parallel with efficient medical interventions, has come into focus. Moreover, this therapeutic intervention can prevent from the necessity of endotracheal intubation in the majority of cases. Rapid restoration of arterial oxygenation along with medical support of the cardiac function (i.e. by nitrates, diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, etc.) results in improved myocardial oxygen-delivery and reduced oxygen-consumption. This article reviews mainly the pathophysiology of cardiogenic lung edema, while most of the currently discussed therapeutic implications also apply to other entities of lung edema.