How soon will diuretics work for pulmonary edema?

My older brother has been suffering from heart defect since the birth. He had myocarditits when he was 11 years old, which further disturbed his heart function. His heart is far from great now and lately, his condition worsened. He developed pulmonary edema and was prescribed with diuretics for that. How soon will diuretics work for pulmonary edema?

Diuretics are actually first line of defense when it comes to dealing with pulmonary edema. They are usually given directly into the vein so that its effect might be felt literally within minutes. They will help establish a normal functioning of the respiratory system (exchange of gases in lungs). Without them, the situation might severely complicate.