Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)

Overview

Breathing is often worse lying flat and better sitting up.

Pink, frothy spit is a serious sign.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Severe shortness of breath

Less common

• Worse lying flat
• Pink frothy cough
• Swollen legs

When to get medical care

Causes

Heart failure, kidney failure, altitude.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease

Possible complications

• Heart failure

Diagnosis

Doctors check oxygen and the heart.

The exam

Lung and heart exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Chest X-ray:
• Echocardiogram:
• BNP blood test:

Treatment

Get help now.

Self-care

• Sit upright while waiting for help
• Long-term: take heart medicines, weigh daily, limit salt

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Oxygen, water pills, and treating the cause.

Prevention

To lower risk:

• Take heart medicines
• Limit salt

Which doctor treats this

• Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
• They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Lung Association: Lung HelpLine 1-800-586-4872 and Better Breathers support groups.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Learn CPR. Many hospitals and the Red Cross offer classes.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Treatable when caught fast.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)