Fluid in Lungs

Lung water or pulmonary edema is the medical term for fluid in lungs. Normally, the lungs consist of two large organs that fill up with and exhale air. They occupy most of the chest. Their job is the transfer of oxygen from the air outside your body to your blood stream. This is a vital function that drives the activity of every single cell in your body by supplying oxygen from atmospheric air to the cells. Each lung, both the right and left, is comprised of several million tiny air sacs called alveoli.Fluid in Lungs

When you get fluid in lungs, the alveoli get filled by fluids instead of air. This does not allow the regular exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen to take place and can lead to serious medical conditions developing.

Pulmonary Edema

This medical condition is mainly recognized by inflammation of lungs due to fluid accumulation there. One of the lung’s most important functions is supply and removal of oxygen and carbon dioxide from the lungs respectively. Oxygen inhaled passes into the bloodstream through the alveoli. When the alveoli start to fill up with fluid, proper breathing is hindered. The regular alveoli functions like delivery and removal of gases can no longer be carried out.

When pulmonary edema onsets all of a sudden, it is considered an ‘acute’ or medical emergency that needs immediate care. Although, in some cases, this condition may become fatal, your outlook on the condition will improve as you receive the right treatment for edema and its underlying cause. Often, patients will fully recover.

If pulmonary edema worsens, pulmonary artery pressure may go up. Eventually, your right ventricle might fail since it has a much thinner wall than the left side. This raised pressure backs into the right atrium and other parts of the body. There, it may cause:

  • Swelling of legs and hands
  • Swelling in abdomen – ascites
  • Fluid build-up in membranes surrounding lungs – pleural effusion
  • Swelling and congestion of liver

PleurisyPleurisy

Pleural effusion or pleurisy is a build-up of fluid beside and inside the lungs, instead of inside the alveoli.  Symptoms and causes of pleurisy are very similar to those of lung water. It is recommended that you immediately consult with a doctor about treatment. Many will opt for a lung detox, which is a general cleaning of the lungs to improve air flow and function. Symptoms of both of the diseases outlined above include hoarse throats, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing. Patients may need extra pillows to sleep as lying flat may be a problem. Many other symptoms of fluid in lungs are very easy to notice.

Prevention: How to Avoid Developing Fluid in Lungs

  • Limit Intake of Salt. This is particularly important when the patient suffers from high blood pressure or heart problems.
  • Regular Exercise. Exercise is essential for taking care of a healthy heart. Aerobic exercise for around thirty minutes daily can be all you need to stay healthy and avoid fluid in lungs.
  • Maintain healthy weight. Even if you’re just a bit overweight, you face higher risks of developing cardiovascular diseases. On the plus side, even if you reduce your weight only slightly, this reduces your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and risks of diabetes.
  • Consider taking a course of baby aspiring. Speak with your doctor about the cons and pros of taking a tablet of baby aspirin – 81 milligrams- every day.
  • Stress management. To lower your heart problems risk, try minimizing how much stress you take. Re-think any workaholic habits. Find healthier ways to maximize your productivity. Find a peaceful way to deal with events that may be triggering stress in you.

If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately seek help from a physician.