Pulmonary edema is a swelling and accumulation of fluid in the lungs. The serious condition is most often caused by heart failure or some other cardiac condition that weakens or stiffens the muscle tissue of the heart.

In such cases, the decreased functionality of the heart leads to an elevation of the pressure in the pulmonary veins and, consequently, fluid is forced into the alveoli. Other causes of pulmonary edema include excessive accumulation of body fluids related to kidney failure or another medical problem, living in or traveling to areas at high altitudes, and injury to the lungs related to serious infections, such as pneumonia, smoke inhalation, or exposure to toxins or certain medications.

Pulmonary edema is considered a medical emergency and individuals exhibiting symptoms of the condition should promptly seek medical care. Some of the most common symptoms of the condition include difficulty breathing, bubbling or grunting sounds when breathing, wheezing, cough, pallor or cyanosis (blue or purple coloring of the skin), sweating, swollen hands and ankles, anxiety, and restlessness. Some individuals with pulmonary edema may also cough up blood, experience decreased mental alertness, exhibit an increased heart rate, or be unable to speak due to air hunger.

Treatment for pulmonary edema usually initially consists of the administration of oxygen via a face mask, nasal prongs, breathing tube, or ventilator. Immediately thereafter, treatment is typically shifted to address the underlying cause of the condition. For instance, if a heart condition is associated with the edema, then the heart must be ministered to, whereas infection-related edema often requires the use of antibiotics. Diuretics can also help eliminate excess fluids from the body, morphine and several other drugs can relieve anxiety and shortness of breath, and various narcotics may be used to dilate the blood vessels and relieve pressure..

Since cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of pulmonary edema, following steps that reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems also decreases one’s risk of fluid accumulation in the lungs. One of the most important of these steps is controlling blood pressure. In the United States, around 50 million people are affected by high blood pressure, which is currently defined as having a resting blood pressure consistently 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher. Among the best ways to lower one’s blood pressure is to exercise regularly, consume a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and limit intake of coffee, salt, and alcohol. Some recent studies also suggest that an insufficient supply of calcium to the body is associated with some cases of high blood pressure.

Pulmonary Edema at 10x Magnification - Pulmonary edema is a condition that can be fatal, especially when the afflicted individual does not receive treatment in a prompt manner.

Pulmonary Edema at 20x Magnification - Listening to the chest of a patient with pulmonary edema with a stethoscope often reveals rales (crackling sounds) in the lungs as well as heart murmurs.

Pulmonary Edema at 10x Magnification - High blood pressure has been linked with an increased risk of not only cardiovascular disease and pulmonary edema, but also a host of other problems.