Pulmonary oedema -- a life threatening disease.

AIM: The aim was to describe the health history of patients after pulmonary oedema and investigate how they perceive their condition and treatment.

METHODS: In part one of the study medical records of patients treated for acute pulmonary oedema (n=44) were reviewed regarding social status, health history, medication and cause of the pulmonary oedema. In part two, interviews were performed focusing on the patients' conceptions of the illness, current situation and effects of pulmonary oedema on daily life.

RESULTS: One-year mortality was 65% and all but 3 patients had a previous heart diagnosis. Analyses of the interviews yielded five categories: A suffocating feeling; trust in care providers; medication - an annoyance but also a saviour; dealing with existential issues alone or with relatives; concurrent diseases affecting daily life.

CONCLUSION: Patients' who experience a pulmonary oedema have several heart-related conditions and a very poor prognosis. Experiencing pulmonary oedema is an anxiety-provoking situation and patients should be regularly and carefully monitored.