Pulmonary edema

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Lungs

Respiratory system

Pulmonary edema is an abnormal build up of fluid in the lungs, which leads to swelling.

Lung/pulmonary congestion; Lung water

Pulmonary edema is usually caused by heart failure. As the heart fails, pressure in the vein going through the lungs starts to rise. As the pressure increases, fluid is pushed into the air spaces (alveoli). This fluid interrupts normal oxygen movement through the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath.

Pulmonary edema may be caused by damage directly to the lung, such as that caused by poisonous gas or severe infection. Lung damage and a build up of body fluid is also seen in kidney failure.

Pulmonary edema may also be a complication of a heart attack, leaking or narrowed heart valves (mitral or aortic valves), or any disease of the heart that either results in weakening or stiffening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).

Review Date: 07/17/2006
Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.