Which is a classic sign of acute pulmonary edema?

Which is a classic sign of acute pulmonary edema?

• A. Nonproductive cough
• B. Pink, frothy sputum
• C. Hemoptysis
• D. Jaundice

Answer: (B)

Aching in the lungs from fluid buildup in acute pulmonary edema leads to alveolar flooding. When that fluid is expelled with air during coughing, it creates a pink, frothy sputum. The pink color comes from red blood cells and plasma components mixed in the edema fluid, and the froth comes from air trapped in the fluid as it’s coughed up. This signature sputum is paired with severe shortness of breath and crackles on exam, making it a classic sign of acute pulmonary edema. Nonproductive cough isn’t typical when the airspaces are flooded with fluid, because edema usually produces a productive, frothy sputum. Hemoptysis can occur in some lung conditions but isn’t the hallmark sign here. Jaundice isn’t related to pulmonary edema and points to liver or biliary issues instead.

Aching in the lungs from fluid buildup in acute pulmonary edema leads to alveolar flooding. When that fluid is expelled with air during coughing, it creates a pink, frothy sputum. The pink color comes from red blood cells and plasma components mixed in the edema fluid, and the froth comes from air trapped in the fluid as it’s coughed up. This signature sputum is paired with severe shortness of breath and crackles on exam, making it a classic sign of acute pulmonary edema.

Nonproductive cough isn’t typical when the airspaces are flooded with fluid, because edema usually produces a productive, frothy sputum. Hemoptysis can occur in some lung conditions but isn’t the hallmark sign here. Jaundice isn’t related to pulmonary edema and points to liver or biliary issues instead.