Pulmonary edema or irregular build-up of fluid in the lungs is a serious condition since it affects breathing and can even result to death. Once fluid accumulates in the lungs, the small-sized alveoli sacs responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange are filled, thus disrupting with normal breathing.
The indications of pulmonary edema include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, excessive sweating, anxiety and rapid heart rate. The other symptoms that are considered serious includes coughing up blood, nasal flaring, diminished level of alertness and difficulty speaking full sentences.
High altitude
When it comes to high altitude pulmonary edema, this is a condition triggered by high elevation that adds burden on the pulmonary vessels or capillaries. The condition typically occurs at heights above 8,000 feet and affects skiers, mountain climbers and hikers who were not properly acclimatized before physical activity. It is vital to acclimatize to high altitudes before attempting any kind of activity.
Cardiac causes
Once the left ventricle or heart chamber erroneously functions, it results to edema. Various conditions can cause the left ventricle to weaken or fail, thus resulting to the back flow of blood.
Coronary artery disease develops once the arteries are clogged with fatty deposits or plaque that can block the flow of blood to the heart. When blood could not move up to the heart muscle, the tissue perishes and does not function anymore.
Other possible causes include alcohol and drug abuse and viral infections. Issues with the heart valves can also result to edema which causes the blood to flow back into the lungs. Eventually, high blood pressure can add up pressure on the left ventricle which causes them to thicken.
Other possible causes for pulmonary edema
It is important to note that pulmonary edema can also have other causes not linked to the heart. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a condition in which fluid builds up in the lungs and ends up inflamed. The condition can be due to trauma, shock, pneumonia and infection.
Kidney disease develops once the kidneys are not properly functioning due to illness and could not eliminate excess fluid from the body. The accumulation of fluid can fill the lungs. Inhalation of toxins such as ammonia, chlorine and even smoke can cause damage to the membranes of the lungs which results to the seepage of fluid into the air sacs. In addition, certain drugs might also be responsible for pulmonary edema which includes illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine as well as commonly used drugs such as aspirin and chemotherapy.