Fluid buildup in the lungs occurs when you have a problem in your cardiovascular system, such as heart failure, but it can also occur in cases of lung damage due to infections or exposure to toxins, for example.
Water in the lungs, known scientifically as pulmonary edema, occurs when the lungs are filled with fluid, which interferes with breathing because it prevents oxygen from entering and releasing carbon dioxide. Here’s how to tell you if there’s water in your lungs.
- When cardiovascular disease is not treated properly.
- It can cause excessive pressure on the heart.
- Preventing blood from pumping.
When this happens, blood builds up around the lungs and increases pressure inside the vessels in this region, causing the fluid, which is part of the blood, to inflame into the lungs, taking up a space that should only be filled with air.
Some of the cardiovascular diseases that most often cause this change include:
In addition, other conditions, such as kidney problems, can also increase blood pressure and interfere with heart function, leading to a case of pulmonary edema, if not treated properly.
Some lung infections caused by viruses, such as hantavirus or dengue virus, can cause changes in blood vessel pressure in the lungs, causing fluid to build up.
When toxins, such as ammonia or chlorine, or cigarette smoke are inhaled, lung tissue can become highly irritated and inflamed, producing a fluid that takes up space in the lungs.
In addition, when inflammation is very severe, injuries to the surrounding lungs and small blood vessels can occur, allowing fluid to enter.
In near-drowning situations, the lungs fill with water that sucks through the nose or mouth and builds up inside the lungs. In these cases, although much of the water has been removed with rescue maneuvers, pulmonary edema can be maintained, requiring treatment in the hospital.
People who do mountaineering or climbing have an increased risk of developing pulmonary edema, because when they are at altitudes above 2400 meters, blood vessels experience increased pressure, which can favor fluid entry into the lungs, especially in humans. who are beginners in this type of sport.
If there are signs of water buildup in your lungs, it is important to see your doctor so that tests can be done to identify the cause of fluid buildup in your lungs and that appropriate treatment can be indicated depending on the situation. amount of fluids accumulated. oxygen levels.
This makes it possible to prevent more fluid from accumulating in the lungs and interfere with oxygen flow throughout the body. For this purpose, the use of oxygen masks is indicated, in addition to the use of diuretic drugs to promote the elimination of excess fluids in the body. Understand how water is treated in your lungs.