Excess fluid in the lungs can be a life-threatening condition. It can occur due to several underlying medical conditions such as heart failure, pneumonia, cancer, and kidney failure, among others.

If you suspect you have excess fluid in your lungs, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Here are ten warning signs of excess fluid in your lungs:.

1. Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is a common symptom of excess fluid in the lungs. It typically occurs when there is a buildup of fluid in the air sacs (alveoli) of your lungs, which makes it difficult for you to breathe.

You may feel like you are not getting enough air or suffocating.

2. Wheezing

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when there is a narrowing of the airways. It is a common symptom of asthma, but it can also occur when there is excess fluid in the lungs.

Wheezing can be a sign that your airways are obstructed due to excess fluid.

3. Chest Pain

Chest pain can occur due to several reasons, including excess fluid in the lungs. The pain may feel sharp, dull, or aching, and it may worsen when you breathe deeply or cough.

Chest pain can be a sign of a serious underlying condition and should not be ignored.

4. Coughing

Coughing is a natural reflex to clear the airways of irritants and mucus. However, if you have excess fluid in your lungs, you may experience persistent coughing that produces frothy, pink, or blood-tinged sputum.

This type of cough is known as a productive cough, and it can be a sign of a serious underlying condition.

5. Fatigue

Excess fluid in the lungs can cause fatigue or extreme tiredness. It occurs because your body is working harder than usual to breathe, so you expend more energy.

It can be difficult to perform daily activities, and you may feel exhausted even after a brief period of physical activity.

6. Rapid Breathing

Rapid breathing, also known as tachypnea, is a condition where you breathe faster than usual.

It is a common symptom of excess fluid in the lungs, and it occurs because your body is trying to compensate for the reduced oxygen supply due to the buildup of fluid in the lungs.

7. Bluish Lips or Fingernails

Bluish lips or fingernails are a sign of cyanosis, a condition where there is a reduced amount of oxygen in your blood. It can occur due to several reasons, including excess fluid in the lungs.

If you notice bluish lips or fingernails, seek immediate medical attention.

8. Swelling in the Legs and Ankles

Swelling in the legs and ankles, also known as edema, is a common symptom of excess fluid in the lungs. It occurs because the fluid that accumulates in your lungs can also accumulate in other parts of your body, particularly your legs and ankles.

9. Difficulty Exercising

Excess fluid in the lungs can make it difficult to exercise, either due to shortness of breath or fatigue. You may find it hard to climb stairs, walk briskly, or engage in any physical activity that requires exertion.

10. Rapid Heartbeat

Rapid heartbeat, also known as tachycardia, is a common symptom of excess fluid in the lungs.

It occurs because your heart is working harder than usual to pump blood to your body due to the reduced oxygen supply caused by the buildup of fluid in your lungs.