What is pulmonary edema?
Pulmonary edema is a condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs.
This fluid collects in the numerous air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
In most cases, heart problems cause pulmonary edema. But fluid can collect in the lungs for other reasons, including pneumonia, exposure to certain toxins and medications, trauma to the chest wall, and traveling to or exercising at high elevations.
Pulmonary edema that develops suddenly (acute pulmonary edema) is a medical emergency requiring immediate care. Pulmonary edema can sometimes cause death. The outlook improves if you get treated quickly.
Treatment for pulmonary edema varies depending on the cause but generally includes supplemental oxygen and medications.
Symptoms
Pulmonary edema signs and symptoms may appear suddenly or develop over time. The signs and symptoms you have depends on the type of pulmonary edema.
The symptoms of pulmonary edema include:
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) or extreme shortness of breath that worsens with activity or when lying down
- A feeling of suffocating or drowning
- A cough that produces frothy sputum that may be tinged with blood
- Wheezing or gasping for breath
- Cold, clammy skin
- Anxiety, restlessness or a sense of apprehension
- Bluish ips
- A rapid, irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Long-term (chronic) pulmonary edema signs and symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Awakening at night with a cough or breathless feeling that may be relieved by sitting up
- More shortness of breath than normal when you're physically active
- Wheezing
- Rapid weight gain
- Swelling in your lower extremities
- Fatigue
- New or worsening cough
High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) can occur in adults and children who travel to or exercise at high altitudes.
Signs and symptoms are similar to those that occur with acute pulmonary edema and can include:
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Decreased ability to exercise as you once could
- Dry cough, at first
- Later, a cough that produces frothy, pink sputum
- A very fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Weakness
- Chest pain
- Low-grade fever
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pulmonary-edema/symptoms-causes/syc-20377009
