Therapy of Paroxysmal Pulmonary Edema by Antifoaming Agents

Abstract

Inhalation of certain volatile substances decreases the amount of foam in the respiratory passages and may be helpful in acute pulmonary edema. Experiments with several agents were performed in animals with different types of acute edema of the lungs. The best results were obtained with ethyl alcohol, which decreased the severity of the edema and prolonged the survival of the animals. Alcohol, while acting as an antifoaming agent, has no untoward side effects and is well tolerated. This method of therapy is now undergoing clinical tests.