The use of 2-ethylhexanol in acute pulmonary edema.

1)In vitro studies indicate that 2-ethylhexanol has antifoaming properties superior to either 95 per cent or 50 per cent ethyl alcohol. 2)Fifty per cent of 14 unselected patients suffering from severe acute pulmonary edema due to various causes showed a good response to the inhalation of 2-ethylhexanol before routine measures were instituted. In some cases relief was dramatic. 3)There were no contraindications to its use and there were no toxic reactions. 4)The substance is volatile, readily available and easily applied. 5)Further studies are in progress with 2-ethylhexanol in full concentration and with oxygen under intermittent positive pressure with most encouraging results thus far.