Fluid in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema. This condition occurs when the tissue and air sacs in the lungs, which are supposed to contain air, are actually filled with fluid.
Of course the emergence of fluid in the lungs can not be considered trivial, because it can make sufferers have difficulty breathing. If left without proper treatment, this condition may be fatal.
Understanding the Causes of Fluid in the Lungs
The cause of the emergence of fluid in the lungs can be divided into two groups, namely cardiogenic (causes originating from the heart) and noncardiogenic (causes that do not originate from the heart).
Some cardiogenic conditions that can cause pulmonary edema are:
- Uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure (hypertension).
- Damage to the heart muscle that causes weakness in heart function (cardiomyopathy).
- Stiffness, leakage, weakness, or damage to the heart valves.
- Coronary heart disease.
Without proper treatment, the conditions above can cause more severe complications, namely heart failure. When blood can no longer be pumped properly throughout the body, pressure will form on the pulmonary veins so that leakage of body fluids into the lungs occurs.
While noncardiogenic factors that can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, include:
- Kidney failure
- Pulmonary embolism
- 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 injury or brain hemorrhage.
In addition, other factors that arise 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 in a fast time or develop in 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 sinking, especially when lying down.
- Shortness of breath, can be accompanied by a wheezing sound.
- Anxious, dazed, or restless.
- Cold sweat all over the body.
- The surface of the lips and fingertips appear bluish.
- Cough with bubbly phlegm, can 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 symptoms above, seek medical help immediately.
While the symptoms in patients with chronic pulmonary edema or occur in the long term, including:
- Shortness of breath when on the move
- Difficulty breathing when lying down
- Often wake up from sleep, due to coughing, the sensation of being out of breath, or dreaming of drowning.
- There is an additional breath in the form of wheezing.
- Swelling of the limbs, especially the lower part, for example the legs.
- Drastic increase in body weight, due to accumulation of body fluids.
- Excessive fatigue or fatigue.
If you experience symptoms of fluid in the lungs, whether they develop over a long 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.
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