Fluid in the lungs is the abnormal buildup of liquid inside the lungs, which makes breathing difficult and can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, severe coughing, or a feeling of suffocation.
Also called pulmonary edema, fluid in the lungs is most often caused by untreated conditions such as heart failure or respiratory infections.
Treatment is carried out by a pulmonologist or cardiologist and should begin as quickly as possible to prevent oxygen levels in the body from dropping to dangerous levels.
Main symptoms
The most common symptoms of fluid in the lungs are:
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Difficulty breathing
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Severe shortness of breath that gets worse when lying down
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Feeling of suffocation or drowning
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Loud wheezing when breathing
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Cough that produces mucus, which may contain blood
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Rapid heartbeat
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Easy fatigue or weakness
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Swelling in the legs or feet
Other possible signs include bluish fingertips, cold sweats, anxiety, or restlessness. If several of these symptoms occur together, emergency medical help should be sought immediately at the ER for quick diagnosis and treatment.
Is fluid in the lungs serious?
Fluid in the lungs can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated quickly, especially when symptoms appear suddenly. In pulmonary edema, the lungs cannot exchange gases efficiently, which lowers oxygen levels in the body and can lead to death.
Confirming a diagnosis
The diagnosis of fluid in the lungs is made by a pulmonologist, cardiologist, or general practitioner through an evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and a physical exam.
The doctor may also request tests such as a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, or echocardiogram to determine the underlying cause. In addition, arterial blood gas analysis is often performed to measure blood oxygen levels.
Common causes
The main causes of fluid in the lungs include:
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Heart failure or high blood pressure
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Heart attack or acute myocarditis
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Cardiomyopathy or heart valve problems
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Atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia
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Lung infections, pulmonary embolism, or pneumonia
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
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Head trauma, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or seizures
Other possible causes are high-altitude exposure (above 2400 meters), kidney failure, smoke inhalation, or near-drowning. Fluid in the lungs is more common in older adults but can also occur in young people or children with congenital heart disease.
Treatment options
Treatment for fluid in the lungs must be guided by a pulmonologist or cardiologist. The goal is to remove excess fluid from the lungs, improve oxygen levels, and prevent complications.
1. Hospitalization
Hospitalization is recommended in all cases of fluid in the lungs. Oxygen is usually given through a mask to help relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and the sensation of suffocation. At the hospital, intravenous medications may also be administered to support heart function and remove fluid from the lungs.
2. Medications for fluid in the lungs
The main medications for fluid in the lungs include:
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Diuretics (such as furosemide) to remove excess fluid from the body through urine
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Vasodilators (such as nitroglycerin) to lower pressure in the heart’s arteries, improve heart function, and reduce blood pooling in the lungs
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Opioids (such as morphine) to relieve severe shortness of breath or chest pain
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Nitrates (such as nitroglycerin or sodium nitroprusside) to reduce blood pressure, making it easier for the heart to pump and preventing fluid buildup
The type of medication prescribed depends on the underlying cause and severity of pulmonary edema and must always be recommended by a doctor.
Can fluid in the lungs be cured?
Fluid in the lungs can often be cured, especially when the cause is identified quickly and treated properly by a doctor.
Possible complications
The main complications of fluid in the lungs are respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, pleural effusion, cardiogenic shock, heart attack, or heart failure. Other possible complications include ascites and liver congestion. Because these conditions are life-threatening, emergency medical care is essential as soon as symptoms appear.