Pulmonary Edema: Fluid in the Lungs—Causes, Symptoms, and Urgency

Pulmonary edema (fluid in alveoli) impairs gas exchange, causing hypoxemia and respiratory distress. It can be life-threatening.

Causes

• Heart failure (most common)—impaired pumping → fluid backup into lungs.
• Kidney failure—fluid overload.
• Pneumonia/infections—inflammation increases permeability.
• Medications—chemo, NSAIDs causing fluid retention.
• Fluid overload—burns, excessive IV fluids.

Symptoms

• Dyspnea, cough, wheezing
• Tachycardia, fatigue
• Confusion (from hypoxemia)
• Respiratory failure if severe

Seek immediate emergency care for sudden shortness of breath. Early treatment of the underlying cause improves outcomes.