Other names: pulmonary edema, fluid accumulation in the lungs

Sick – layman swelling of the lungs (pulmonary edema) can not recognize as such, it only suggests other symptoms, which include feel short of breath (dyspnea) and from the resulting unrest.Breathing is shallower and faster, it is accompanied by expectoration of fluid which may be foamy and pink. Conspicuous may be sweating throughout the body.

The most common cause is the failure of the pumping of the heart (left ventricular failure, acute myocardial infarction, etc.). Blood therefore accumulate in the pulmonary vessels ( “before the heart”), and under elevated pressure, for filtering fluids from the blood into the alveoli. Stuck exchange of respiratory gases so as capacity decreases alveolar fluid present. For this reason, when deteriorating occur promodrávání peripheral parts of the body (ears, fingertips, lips).

Another possible cause is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). It is the damage to the walls of cellars and cellars bulkheads which are becoming more permeable and allow the penetration of fluid or whole blood to the heart alveoli. It does so in a serious inflammation of the lungs, and also in shock, poisoning some drugs, inhalation of smoke and toxic fumes, aspiration, or eg. After drowning. The list could continue.

When the sudden onset of the symptoms mentioned above, it is necessary to call an ambulance.Sick usually occupies himself called. Orthopneic sitting position with upper limbs resting on the pad.Permitting, if the patient’s condition, it is advisable to settle on the dining table and legs let hang freely down in order to reduce the return of venous blood from the lower body.