Water in the lungs – causes, symptoms & therapy

Water in the lungs can accumulate from heart failure , allergies , altitude sickness , and kidney disease, among other things. It is primarily the lung tissue and the vesicles that are affected. The condition must be taken seriously as direct medical treatment is required.

Water in the lungs can be either acute or chronic. First, water will accumulate in the interpulmonary tissue, which then, as the state progresses, attacks the alveoli. Then, in turn, the lungs are no longer adequately ventilated, which impairs blood circulation and gas exchange. Water in the lungs is to be taken very seriously in any case.

causes

Water in the lungs can have many causes, but in most cases it is in the heart or kidneys. A distinction is now being made between cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema . As soon as the heart can no longer work properly, blood will flow into the left ventricle without the heart being able to pump it back into the bloodstream. Then, in turn, the pressure in the pulmonary veins will increase, causing water to accumulate in the lungs.If the water in the lungs is not caused by a heart defect, an allergy, for example, can also be to blame. But malnutrition , kidney and liver diseases and altitude sickness can also be the cause. In general, it can be said that water only accumulates in the lungs when there is a disturbance in the pressure conditions within the lungs.

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of water in the lungs:

• shallow breathing

• shortness of breath

• inner unrest

• Cough

• sputum

• high pulse

• blue lips

• anxiety states

Depending on the stage, the symptoms can vary in severity. Faster breathing and rattling noises are mainly noticed when the water in the lungs is still limited to the area of ​​the interpulmonary tissue. The breath is shallow and there is an inner restlessness. However, if the water in the lungs is already in the alveoli, the symptoms occur more severely. Cough, secretion and a high pulse are not uncommon. The skin and lips may turn slightly bluish due to the lack of oxygen.

If water in the lungs is not treated, the entire condition of the sufferer will worsen. All other organs will also become ill because nothing is properly supplied with oxygen. Complications such as pneumonia may occur as the disease progresses. If the cause of the water in the lungs is the heart, the whole situation can quickly develop into a life-threatening situation.

Diagnose

Water in the lungs can be detected by doing a physical exam in conjunction with X-rays . A blood analysis also provides information and provides clarity. The lungs are listened to with a stethoscope to note any rales. However, sometimes water in the lungs is only recognized after an X-ray examination has taken place. Once the diagnosis of water in the lungs has been made, the doctor will investigate the causes. This requires further examinations such as an ECG or ultrasound .

treatment and therapy

If the situation is already acute, intensive medical therapy is necessary so that the water in the lungs does not become life-threatening. In any case, the person concerned should keep their upper body high and their legs lower. Oxygen can enter the body through a face mask. In the advanced stage, however, positive pressure ventilation may also be necessary. 

Further treatment for water in the lungs always depends on the cause of the disease. In the case of left heart failure, the patient is treated with an injection into the blood vessels. If toxic edema is present, glucocorticoids can help. These are inhaled or, in severe cases, given by vein. Morphine can be given for pain , anxiety, and anxiety caused by water in the lungs.

Long-term therapy also always depends on the cause. Adequate treatment is required in particular for chronically ill patients with renal or cardiac insufficiency. In kidney diseases, the blood must be cleaned.

prevention

In principle, water in the lungs can only be prevented by avoiding the underlying diseases or having them treated in good time. Heart disease can be prevented, for example, with sufficient exercise and a healthy diet . In addition, nicotine and alcohol should be avoided. Overweight people should change their diet and exercise if their family doctor agrees. If you are not used to physical activity, you should start slowly. Fruits and vegetables also contribute to a healthy lifestyle and strengthen the immune system .