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. The inhaled oxygen is absorbed by the alveoli, which is then subsequently passed down to the bloodstream. Proper breathing will continue as long as there is no interference in the normal functioning of the alveoli.

Causes of Fluid Filled Lungs

The underlying cause of water in lungs has often been attributed to heart problems. However, it can also occur when lungs are invaded with some sort of infection. It is discussed below:

Heart Problems
When the heart is not working correctly, pulmonary edema is likely to occur. The main job of the heart is to take pure oxygenated blood from the lungs that enters through the pulmonary veins. It is then delivered to various parts of the body through a large artery known as aorta. In some cases, the heart becomes ineffective in delivering sufficient blood to different organs. Poor functioning of the heart causes the blood in the pulmonary veins to back up. The blood moving in the opposite direction puts excessive strain on these veins. Due to this excessive pressure, the veins start leaking. As these veins pass through the lungs, the fluid that comes out, finds its way into the alveoli. This fluid disrupts the normal flow of oxygen through the lungs leading to shortness of breath. People suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF), cardiomyopathy or those with a history of heart attacks may also eventually develop pulmonary edema.

Pneumonia
Cases of fluid filled lungs can also arise from pneumonia. This medical condition that typically affects the respiratory system is typically marked by inflammation of the lungs. Basically, pneumonia is classified as an infection of the lungs that can occur from viruses, bacteria or fungi. After gaining access to the lungs, the harmful microbes thrive in the alveoli. As a response to the infection, the alveoli become filled with pus and fluid. This impairs the oxygen flow to the bloodstream, eventually causing breathing problems.

Inhaling Toxic Gases
Exposure to poisonous gases such as ammonia or even smoke from fire also cannot be tolerated by the lungs. Toxic gases act as lung irritants and so their inhalation is likely to cause problems, the most common ones being lung inflammation and pulmonary edema.

High Altitudes
Mountaineers are predisposed to high altitude pulmonary edema if they don't carry appropriate equipment along with them. It is a known fact that oxygen level and air pressure reduces as we climb higher altitudes. This increases pressure on the pulmonary arteries. The pressure build up may force the arteries to leak fluid into the lung tissues.

Kidney Problems
The main task of the kidneys is to purify blood by extracting fluid from it and then disposing it off in the form of urine. It is also involved in regulating sodium (salt) levels, excess of which is eliminated through urine. Too much of sodium in the body can cause fluid retention (edema) in any part of the body including the lungs. With the onset of kidney problems, eliminating waste from the blood as well as controlling sodium levels is put on the back burner. All this can contribute in the development of fluid filled lungs.

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 an exercise routine consistently and having a nutritious diet rich in vegetables and vitamins can surely prevent heart disorders.