What Is Pulmonary Edema? Everything to Know

Medically Reviewed By Nick Villalobos, MD

Pulmonary edema is a potentially serious condition caused by a fluid buildup in the lungs. The condition can make it difficult to breathe. Heart-related or cardiogenic pulmonary edema is the most common type. Pulmonary edema can occur due to lung damage, known as noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. Also, up to 80% of people with heart failure have pulmonary edema.

This article explains the causes of pulmonary edema. It also looks at symptoms, treatment options, and when to contact a doctor.

What are the symptoms of pulmonary edema?

Pulmonary edema
Pulmonary edema develops when air sacs of the lungs, also called alveoli, fill with fluid. This can stop oxygen from entering the air sacs, leading to symptoms of difficulty breathing. Illustrated by Jason Hoffman.

Breathing difficulty causes many pulmonary edema symptoms. Some symptoms may indicate the underlying cause of pulmonary edema.

Symptoms of pulmonary edema can include:

Learn more about breathing difficulties.

What causes pulmonary edema?

Pulmonary edema occurs when air sacs in the lungs are filled with fluid. Healthy air sacs allow oxygen to enter the bloodstream. With pulmonary edema, the fluid in the air sacs prevents the entry of oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath.

Cardiovascular causes of pulmonary edema

More than 1 million people Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source a year are admitted to the hospital for pulmonary edema because of a heart condition.

If the heart can’t pump blood from the lungs, the pressure inside the lungs increases. Increased pressure can cause fluid to enter the air sacs inside the lung.

Cardiovascular causes of pulmonary edema include:

Learn more about heart conditions.

Other causes of pulmonary edema

Lung damage can also cause pulmonary edema. Damage leading to pulmonary edema may be the result of:

What are the treatments for pulmonary edema?

Treatment will vary greatly depending on the underlying cause.

For example, treating pulmonary edema due to heart failure aims to stabilize the heart. Treating pulmonary edema due to bacterial pneumonia seeks to control the infection with antibiotics.

Your doctor may also recommend treatments to manage pulmonary edema symptoms. Possible treatments include:

  • supplemental oxygen through a mask
  • continuous positive airway pressure to improve your breathing
  • diuretics to remove excess fluid
  • inotropes to help improve the way your heart pumps
  • ACE inhibitors to manage your blood pressure
  • morphine to reduce anxiety, which can help you manage your breathing
  • ventilator in cases where other methods do not improve breathing

When should I see a doctor?

Contact your doctor as soon as you have concerns about the symptoms of pulmonary edema. It can be a serious condition, so a diagnosis is important for early treatment.

How do doctors diagnose pulmonary edema?

To reach a diagnosis, your doctor may perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history.

Tests they may order include:

What are the complications of pulmonary edema?

Complications of pulmonary edema typically occur as a result of the underlying condition.

Possible complications could include:

Can I prevent pulmonary edema?

Depending on the underlying cause, it may not be possible to prevent pulmonary edema. However, steps to reduce your risk of heart disease to help prevent cardiogenic pulmonary edema include:

  • exercising regularly if you can
  • maintaining a moderate weight
  • eating a diet low in cholesterol
  • reducing salt intake or consuming a moderate amount
  • avoiding alcohol or drinking in moderation
  • quitting smoking if you smoke

Following your treatment plan for existing pulmonary edema may also help reduce the risk Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source of recurrence.

Pulmonary edema vs. pleural effusion: What’s the difference?

Pulmonary edema is the collection of fluid inside the lungs. Pleural effusion is when fluid builds outside the lungs, in the space between the lungs and the chest cavity.

Learn more about pleural effusion.

Summary

Pulmonary edema is a potentially serious condition that occurs when fluid builds inside the lungs. Cardiogenic pulmonary edema happens as a result of a heart condition. Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema is a result of lung damage.

Pulmonary edema symptoms include breathing difficulties, swelling, and sweating. It can also cause a frothy pink mucus from the nose and mouth.

Treatments include oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure, and medications.

Contact a doctor about your pulmonary edema concerns. They can use a chest X-ray and blood tests to reach a diagnosis.

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  2. Iqbal, M. A., et al. (2022) Cardiogenic pulmonary edema. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544260/
  3. Jany, B., et al. (2019). Pleural effusion in adults — etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6647819/
  4. Malek, R., et al. (2022). Pulmonary edema. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557611/
  5. Mitevska, I., et al. (2022). Preeclampsia complicated with pulmonary edema in newly diagnosed  peripartum dilated cardiomyopathy: Case report. https://journals.lww.com/jhypertension/Abstract/2022/06001/PREECLAMPSIA_COMPLICATED_WITH_PULMONARY_EDEMA_IN.774.aspx
  6. Pulmonary edema. (n.d.). https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/pulmonary-edema

Medical Reviewer: Nick Villalobos, MD
Last Review Date: 2022 Dec 15
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