A cause of a periodic pulmonary edema: consumption of licorice syrup

Dönemsel bir akciğer ödemi nedeni: meyan şerbeti içimi

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate patients with pulmonary edema due to periodical consumption of licorice syrup. The patients who consumed licoric syrup in recently and admitted to emergency department with dyspnea were examined comprehensive during Ramadan in 2011 and 2012. They underwent routine biochemical investigations, chest X-rays, and electrocardiogram assessment. In addition, cardiac function was examined using echocardiography. Information relating to patients detected with interstitial pulmonary edema was recorded, and all recorded data were evaluated. The number of patients diagnosed with pulmonary edema in the 2-month period was 82. Thirty two of these patients (39%) had a history of consumption of licorice syrup. At first assessment, the mean systolic blood pressure of the study participants was 160.5±18.3 mmHg (130-220), and diastolic blood pressure was 92.6 ±9.8 mmHg (75-120). The mean sodium level was 143.2±3.47 mmol/L (134-149), potassium was 3.4±0.3 mmol/L (3,1-4,3), urea was 56.1±18.9 mg/dl (26-114), and creatinine was 1.1±0.27 mg/dL (0,6-1,8). The injection fraction of 12 patients was under 40%. Of the study participants, 19 were hospitalized in a coronary intensive care unit, while 13 were treated with an emergency department. All study participants recovered and were subsequently discharged from hospital. Excessive consumption of licorice syrup is a hidden cause of pulmonary edema and/or hypertension and therefore should be investigated for in individuals diagnosed with these conditions.