The problem of treating pulmonary edema depends on whether the origin is cardiogenic or not. Cardiogenic pulmonary can be rapidly acute , have different cardiac causes and frequently awakens the patient at night , responds to intravenous diuretics , drugs that lower blood pressure which reduces cardiac ' work' , high concentrated oxygen as pulmonary edema interferes with oxygenating blood . Endotracheal intubation is reserved for patients that fail to respond with diuresis , fatigue due to labored breathing or have renal failure ( usually missed haemodialysis appointment ). Cardiac valvular dysfunction ultimately may need open heart surgery although there are centers that can replace valves ( aortic usually ) in cardiac catheterization laboratories. Non cardiogenic pulmonary edema frequently requires Intensive Care units , airway intubation , prolonged mechanical ventilation , infectious disease specialists for treatment of presumed bacterial sepsis ( bacteremia). If caused by viral infection , treatment is complicated and may require lung biopsy . Blunt thoracic trauma can also cause pulmonary edema (aspiration of gastric contents , fresh and salt H2O drowning , certain cases ( chlorine , nitrogen dioxide , sulphur containing gases, fluorine , gas Warfare cases : Pulmonary edema can be quite complicated!