Pulmonary Edema of Environmental Origin — Newer Concepts

Pulmonary edema of non-cardiac origin is usually an urgent clinical prob lem, which has recently increased in frequency throughout the world in the past few years. This is partly due to sociological factors and to pre-eminent advances in industrial technology. Recent severe massive toxic gas explosions have had national and worldwide implications. Therefore, urgent and appropriate ther apy is of utmost importance in most of these patients. The use of high flow oxygen with Constant Positive Pressure Breathing are the main inhalational therapeutic approaches. Newer modalities of treatment include: (1) earlier Fi beropticbronchoscopy in those individuals afflicted with aspiration problems and (2) certain specific chemical blocking agents for the management of phos gene intoxication and hydrogen sulfide toxicity. Preventive environmental mea sures are also important.