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The accumulation of fluid in the lung happens when you have a problem with the cardiovascular system, such as heart failure, but it can also arise when there is a lung injury due to infections or exposure to toxins, for example.
Water in the lung, scientifically known as pulmonary edema, occurs when the lungs are filled with fluid, which interferes with breathing, as it prevents the entry of oxygen and the exit of carbon dioxide. Here's how to tell if it's water in your lungs.
Thus, it is important that lung water is identified and treated quickly to avoid possible complications.
1. Cardiovascular problems
As a result of changes in the cardiovascular system, it is possible to have an excessive increase in pressure within the heart, preventing blood from pumping properly. As a result, blood accumulates around the lungs and increases the pressure inside the vessels in this region, which causes part of the blood to be pushed into the lungs, occupying a space that should only be filled with air.
Some of the cardiovascular diseases in which there is a greater risk of water in the lungs are:
- Coronary disease: this disease causes narrowing of the heart arteries which weakens the heart muscle, decreasing its ability to pump blood;
- Cardiomyopathy: in this problem the heart muscle weakens without having a cause related to blood flow, as in the case of coronary disease;
- Heart valve problems: when the valves fail to close completely or open properly, the force of the heart can push excess blood into the lungs;
- High blood pressure: this disease makes it difficult for the heart to function, which needs to exert a lot of force to pump blood. Over time, the heart can lose strength, leading to blood pooling in the lungs.
In addition, other conditions, such as kidney problems, can also increase blood pressure and make it difficult for the heart to work, leading to a case of pulmonary edema if not treated properly.
2. Lung infections
Some lung infections caused by viruses, such as Hantavirus or Dengue virus, can cause changes in the pressures of blood vessels in the lungs, causing fluid to accumulate.
3. Exposure to toxins or smoke
When breathing in toxins, such as ammonia or chlorine, or from cigarette smoke, for example, lung tissues can become very irritated and inflamed, producing fluid that takes up space inside the lungs.
Also, when inflammation is very severe, damage can occur to the lungs and surrounding small blood vessels, allowing fluid to enter.
4. Drowning
In near-drowning situations, the lungs fill with water that is aspirated through the nose or mouth, accumulating inside the lungs. In these cases, although much of the water was removed with the rescue maneuvers, the pulmonary edema may persist, needing to be treated in the hospital.
5. High altitudes
People who do mountaineering or climbing have a higher risk of developing pulmonary edema, because when you are at altitudes above 2400 meters, the blood vessels suffer an increase in pressure, which can favor the entry of liquid into the lungs. lungs, especially in people who are new to this type of sport.
What to do
If there are signs that there is accumulation of water in the lungs, it is important that the doctor is consulted so that tests are carried out to identify the cause of the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and the appropriate treatment can be indicated according to the amount of accumulated fluids and oxygen levels.
This way it is possible to prevent more fluid from accumulating in the lungs and further compromising the circulation of oxygen throughout the body, being indicated for this the use of oxygen masks, in addition to the use of diuretic drugs. to favor the elimination of liquids that are in excess in the body. Understand how the treatment for water in the lungs is done.
