Fluid in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema. This condition occurs when the tissues and air sacs in the lungs that should be filled with air are filled with fluid.
Of course the appearance of fluid in the lungs cannot be taken lightly, because it can make the sufferer have difficulty breathing. If left untreated, this condition may be fatal.
Understanding the Causes of Fluid in the Lungs
The causes of the appearance of fluid in the lungs can be divided into two groups, namely cardiogenic (causes originating from the heart) and non-cardiogenic (causes that do not originate from the heart)..
Some of the cardiogenic conditions that can cause pulmonary edema are:
- Uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure (hypertension).
- Damage to the heart muscle causing weakness in heart function (cardiomyopathy).
- Stiffness, leakage, weakness, or damage to the heart valves.
- Coronary heart disease.
Without proper treatment, the above conditions can lead to more severe complications, namely heart failure. When blood can no longer be pumped properly throughout the body, pressure will build up in the pulmonary veins, resulting in leakage of body fluids into the lungs.
While noncardiogenic factors that can cause fluid buildup in the lungs include:
- Kidney failure
- Pulmonary embolism
- altitude sickness (high-altitude pulmonary edema)
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Dengue hemorrhagic fever
- Side effects of using heroin and cocaine
- Nerve disorders, for example due to brain injury or bleeding.
In addition, other factors for the appearance of fluid in the lungs can occur due to inhalation of smoke during a fire or toxic gas, and can also occur in drowning victims.
Recognize the Symptoms of Fluid in the Lungs
As can be seen from the possible causes above, the appearance of fluid in the lungs can occur quickly or develop over a longer period of time.
Symptoms of pulmonary edema that occur quickly or suddenly (acute), include:
- Irregular heartbeat and palpitations.
- Sensations such as being out of breath or drowning, especially when lying down.
- Shortness of breath, may be accompanied by wheezing.
- Anxious, dazed, or restless.
- Cold sweat all over the body.
- The surface of the lips and fingertips looks bluish.
- Cough with foamy phlegm, may be mixed with blood.
Acute pulmonary edema is classified as an emergency condition that can be fatal, so it requires immediate treatment. If someone experiences the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
While the symptoms in patients with pulmonary edema that are chronic or occur in the long term, include:
- Easy shortness of breath when doing activities
- Difficulty breathing when lying down
- Frequent awakening from sleep, due to coughing, sensation of shortness of breath, or dreams of drowning.
- There are additional breath sounds in the form of wheezing.
- Swelling of the limbs, especially the lower part, such as the legs.
- Drastic increase in body weight, due to accumulation of body fluids.
- Excessive fatigue or fatigue.
If you experience any symptoms of fluid in the lungs, whether they develop over a long period of time or suddenly, you should immediately consult a doctor.
To prevent the appearance of fluid in the lungs, there are several ways you can do, namely by controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, limiting salt intake, maintaining weight, and avoiding smoking. In addition, maintain health by adopting a healthy lifestyle and diet, so that the lungs can work well.