Definition of Pulmonary edema:

Pulmonary edema is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the air sacs of the lungs, which leads to shortness of breath.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Pulmonary edema is usually caused by heart failure. As the heart fails, pressure in the veins going through the lungs starts to rise.

As the pressure in these blood vessels increases, fluid is pushed into the air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs. This fluid interrupts normal oxygen movement through the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath.

Pulmonary edema may be caused by

• Lung damage caused by poisonous gas or severe infection
• Certain medications
• Major injury
• Kidney failure
• Exercising at very high altitudes

Pulmonary edema may also be due to

• Heart attack
• Leaking or narrowed heart valves (mitral or aortic valves)
• Any disease of the heart that results in weakening or stiffening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy)