Pulmonary Edema
Type: Symptom
Definition
A condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
Clinical Details
Because the weakened, dilated heart cannot pump blood forward effectively, hydrostatic pressure builds up backward into the pulmonary circulation. Fluid is forced out of the pulmonary capillaries and into the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. Patients experience severe, life-threatening shortness of breath and may cough up frothy, pink sputum.