Fluid Filled Lungs: Causes, Dangers and Treatment

Fluid filled lungs, also called pulmonary edema, is a condition in which there is abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lungs that leads to inflammation. Lungs are one of the largest organs located in our chest. This vital organ is made up of air sacs known as alveoli. Lungs perform the important function of taking in oxygen and giving out carbon-dioxide. Proper breathing will continue as long as there is no interference in the normal functioning of lungs.

Causes of Fluid Filled Lungs

Heart failure is considered to be the main cause of fluid filled lungs. Veins that carry blood to the heart pass through the lungs. When the heart fails, pressure gets built up in these veins. Due to this excessive pressure, the veins start leaking. As a result the fluid comes out and finds its way into the alveoli. This fluid disrupts the normal flow of oxygen through the lungs leading to shortness of breath. Lungs damaged due to severe infection (pneumonia) or inhaling a poisonous gas can also lead to fluid filled lungs. This condition is also observed in patients who have experienced other heart disorders, such as weakening of the heart muscle or narrowed heart valves. Non-heart-related pulmonary edema can also be caused due to kidney failure.

Symptoms of Fluid Filled Lungs

Health care professionals can diagnose this disease by observing the patient's symptoms. Patients with fluid filled lungs have rapid breathing and abnormal heart sounds. In some cases, patients are short of breath upon exertion. Any strenuous physical activity and the patient is unable to breathe properly. In general, following are the symptoms associated with pulmonary edema.

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Anxiety and restlessness
• Excessive sweating
• Pale skin
• Cough
• Grunting, while breathing
• Sudden respiratory distress when lying down

If immediate treatment is not given, the above symptoms will gradually aggravate to:

• Rapid breathing
• Coughing up blood
• Bluish sweaty skin
• Abnormal heart sounds - the heart rate is faster than normal
• Unable to speak in long sentences

Treatment for Fluid Filled Lungs

The goal of treatment is to reduce or eliminate the excess fluid from lungs and improve the heart function. The treatment is tailored individually taking into account the cause of the disease. This condition can be life threatening, if not treated. It is necessary to identify the cause of the infection in order to start the right intervention. For instance, if a heart disorder has given rise to this condition, then firstly treatment should be given to stabilize the heart. Experts have recommended the following treatment for pulmonary edema:

• High doses of oxygen are given using a face mask, so that the patient finds it easier to breathe.
• Certain drugs such as diuretics, morphine, nitroglycerin are often used to treat this condition. Diuretics (water pills) help to remove fluid accumulated in the lungs through urination. To improve blood flow and heart condition, sometimes morphine is given. Nitroglycerin effectively decreases the amount of fluid entering into the lungs.
• Patients with severe pulmonary edema must use a breathing machine for a long duration.

People diagnosed with pulmonary edema must take appropriate medications correctly and on time. For the treatment to be effective, one must maintain a healthy diet, reduce salt intake, avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption. To reduce the risk of pulmonary edema, necessary precautions should be taken to avoid heart diseases. Following a exercise routine consistently and having a nutritious diet rich in vegetables and vitamins can surely prevent heart disorders.