The buildup of water in the lungs occurs when you have a problem with the 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, scientifically known as pulmonary edema, occurs when the lungs fill with fluid, interfering with the respiratory process, preventing oxygen from entering and exiting carbon dioxide.
- When cardiovascular disease is not treated properly.
- They can cause excessive pressure to increase in the heart.
- Preventing blood from pumping properly.
When this happens, blood builds up around the lungs and increases the pressure inside the vessels in this area, because the fluid, which is part of the blood, is pushed into the lungs, occupying a space that should be alone in the air.
Some of the cardiovascular diseases that cause this change often include:
In addition, other conditions, such as kidney problems, can also increase blood pressure and hinder cardiac work, leading to a case of pulmonary edema, when not treated properly.
Some lung infections caused by viruses, such as hantavirus or dengue virus, can cause changes in pressure in the blood vessels in the lungs, causing fluid to build up.
When toxins such as ammonium, chlorine, or cigarette smoke are inhaled, for example, lung tissue can become very irritated, producing a fluid that takes up space in the lungs.
In addition, when inflammation is very severe, lesions can occur in the lungs and small surrounding blood vessels, allowing fluid to enter.
In situations where there is drowning, the lungs are filled with water that is sucked through the nose or mouth, accumulating inside the lungs, in these cases water has even been removed with rescue maneuvers, pulmonary edema may persist, requiring treatment in the hospital. .
People who climb mountains have the greatest risk of developing pulmonary edema, because when they are at altitudes above 2400 meters, blood vessels experience increased pressure, which could bring fluid to the lungs, especially in beginners of this type of sport.
If there are signs of water buildup in your lungs, it’s important to see your doctor for tests that will identify the cause of fluid buildup in your lungs and that appropriate treatment may be indicated based on your health. oxygen and accumulated fluid levels
In this way, it is possible to prevent more fluid from accumulating in the lungs and compromise the flow of oxygen in the body, as indicated for the use of oxygen masks, as well as the use of diuretic drugs to promote the elimination of excess. fluids in the body Learn more about treating water in the lungs.