Overview

Pulmonary edema is the abnormal buildup of “fluid in the lungs.” Fluid buildup in your lungs can lead to shortness of breath, coughing up of foam and loose mucus, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Pulmonary edema can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.

What is high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)?

High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) occurs when you’re at high altitudes or if you’re rapidly going up (ascending) a mountain. HAPE is a severe form of altitude sickness (also known as mountain sickness), which occurs because oxygen levels are lower at higher altitudes.

HAPE can make you tired, weak, achy and short of breath. It can cause coughing and chest tightness. HAPE is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. If you have HAPE, you need to go down (descend) immediately and receive medical treatment.

What’s the difference between pulmonary edema and pneumonia?

Both pulmonary edema and pneumonia involve a buildup of fluid in your lungs. An infection causes pneumonia. The infection can be viral, bacterial or fungal. These organisms can cause infected fluid to fill your air sacs. An infection doesn’t cause pulmonary edema, and the fluid is typically thinner and watery.

What’s the difference between pulmonary edema and pleural effusion?

Pleural effusion is when abnormal amounts of fluid buildup outside of your lungs in the pleura, which is a lining around your lungs. The pleura sits between your lungs and the inside of your chest wall, and usually only has a thin rim of fluid inside it. Pleural effusion is commonly caused by pneumonia, congestive heart failure or cancer. Unlike pulmonary edema, the fluid sits outside of your lungs and can compress your lungs, which are spongy.

What is swimming-induced pulmonary edema?

Immersion pulmonary edema is sometimes called swimming-induced pulmonary edema. It occurs when competitive swimmers and divers develop lung injuries because their lung capillaries burst. During diving, blood is sent to your lungs from your legs and abdomen. That excess blood increases pressure in the blood vessels of your lungs. The vessels leak, and the fluid goes into your air sacs.

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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