Diseases

Acute Pulmonary Edema

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Pulmonary edema is a condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs. This fluid collects in the numerous air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. ... Pulmonary Edema that develops suddenly (acute pulmonary edema) is a medical emergency requiring immediate care.

SYMPTOMS

Pain areas: in the chest
Respiratory: shortness of breath on lying down, fast breathing, rapid breathing, shallow breathing, or wheezing
Whole body: fatigue or sweating
Also common: coughing, water retention, or fast heart rate

CAUSES

Pulmonary edema is often caused by congestive heart failure. When the heart is not able to pump efficiently, blood can back up into the veins that take blood through the lungs. As the pressure in these blood vessels increases, fluid is pushed into the air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs.