Wet lungs can be a sign of a serious medical condition, and it’s crucial to recognize the symptoms and seek medical attention early.

So, what exactly are wet lungs and what can cause them? In this article, we’ll dive into the details of wet lungs, their causes, and the telltale signs you need to watch out for.

What are Wet Lungs?

Wet lungs, medically referred to as pulmonary edema, occur when the fluid builds up in the lungs, making it difficult for them to function normally.

The excess fluid usually collects in the small air sacs in the lungs, which hinders the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, making it difficult to breathe.

There are two types of pulmonary edema, depending on the location of the fluid buildup:.

Types of Wet Lungs

Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

Cardiogenic pulmonary edema results from a problem with your heart, specifically its ability to pump blood properly. Heart failure, heart attack, and abnormal heart rhythm can cause the heart to weaken and pump blood inefficiently.

As a result, blood can back up into the lungs, causing fluid buildup.

Non-cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema happens due to non-heart-related issues. This can include infections, sepsis, lung injury, reaction from certain medications or drug abuse, blockage of the airway, and high altitude exposure.

Signs of Wet Lungs

Here are some telltale signs and symptoms that you may observe in someone with wet lungs:.

Cough

A cough may be present in the early stages of pulmonary edema and can become more productive as fluid accumulates in the lungs. The coughing can produce pink foam, indicating the shifting of fluid around heart and lungs.

Shortness of Breath

As fluid builds up in the lungs, the person may experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, particularly when lying down or during physical exertion.

Rapid Breathing

Pulmonary edema can cause an increase in the breathing rate to compensate for the blood’s decreased ability to hold oxygen. The person may breathe faster and more shallowly, causing light-headedness and fatigue.

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Fatigue

The body may have to work harder with a weakened heart or fluid-filled lungs, leading to fatigue and exhaustion.

Chest Pain

Pain in the chest may occur due to the pressure in the lungs, and the person may feel shoulder or arm discomfort because the nerves around the lungs are connected to the nerves in those areas.

Wheezing and Gurgling

The sound of gurgling or wheezing may be heard due to the extra fluid in the lungs. These sounds can indicate that the airways in the lungs are narrowing, making it difficult to breathe.

Sweating

The body may start sweating profusely as a response to the exertion of breathing harder and faster.

Changes in Skin Color

The person’s skin may turn pale or blue, indicating that the blood is deprived of oxygen.

Confusion

The body’s limited oxygen supply can cause confusion or disorientation.

Low Blood Pressure

The person’s blood pressure may drop due to a decreased blood flow caused by the weakened heart and fluid buildup in the lungs.

When to See a Doctor

Suppose you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of wet lungs. In that case, it’s essential to seek emergency medical attention as soon as possible, as it could be an indication of a severe medical condition that requires immediate care.

After examining the patient, the doctor may order a chest X-ray, CT scan, blood test, or electrocardiogram (ECG) to confirm the diagnosis and determine the underlying cause of pulmonary edema.

The treatment plan will depend on the diagnosis and underlying issues, and can involve a breathing machine, diuretics, medications to strengthen the heart muscle, or even surgery in severe cases.

Conclusion

Wet lungs or pulmonary edema can be a severe medical condition that requires immediate care. The underlying cause can range from heart or lung issues to infections and drug reactions.

In any case, the signs such as coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain must be taken seriously and treated accordingly. Seek medical attention immediately to prevent complications and get back to breathing with ease.