The Philippine entertainment industry was left in shock after the untimely death of one of the most well-known comedians in the country, Chokoleit.
Chokoleit was only cracking jokes and singing songs onstage during an event in Abra on March 9 when he suddenly experienced difficulty in breathing after his performance.
Fans said that, when he was onstage, it was obvious that he was having trouble speaking and he was panting all throughout the performance.
He was rushed to the Abra Provincial Hospital, but he later succumbed to pulmonary edema and heart attack.
After the unfortunate turn of events, what is there to know about the condition that caused Chokoleit’s unexpected passing.
What is Pulmonary edema?
According to the website of Mayo Clinic, pulmonary edema is “caused by excess fluid in the lungs… collected in the numerous air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.”
The same source said that the condition may be caused by heart problems and that it sometimes “develops suddenly which would require immediate care”.
Mayo Clinic said that there are three types of pulmonary edema which may vary from its cause and time of development. These are the Sudden (acute) pulmonary edema, Long-term (chronic) pulmonary edema, and High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
Each type has different signs and symptoms but their similarities include, coughing, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and discomfort. (Read full list of sign and symptoms here)
Mayo Clinic stated that anyone who is suffering from this condition needs to seek medical help as soon as possible because it can be fatal, just like what happened to Chokoleit.
The source said that one must immediately seek medical help when he experiences the following.
– Shortness of breath, especially if it comes on suddenly
– Trouble breathing or a feeling of suffocating (dyspnea)
– A bubbly, wheezing or gasping sound when you breathe
– Pink, frothy sputum when you cough
– Breathing difficulty along with profuse sweating
– A blue or gray tone to your skin
– Confusion
– A significant drop in blood pressure resulting in lightheadedness, dizziness, weakness or sweating
– A sudden worsening of any of the symptoms associated with chronic pulmonary edema or high-altitude pulmonary edema
The source said that while the condition may be deadly, it can be treated if there is still enough time.
Mayo Clinic said that a person can prevent having pulmonary edema by watching their blood cholesterol, not smoking, eating healthy, limiting salt intake, exercising regularly, managing stress, and living a healthy lifestyle.
