Fluid Filled Lungs

I hope it’s not because of my bad karma that indirectly cause this to happen;( The reason being is because recently my friend’s father admitted to hospital because of pulmonary edema (fluid filled lungs). I’ll explain a bit about pulmonary edema.

Our lungs are one of the largest organs in the body, it is made up of air sacs known as alveoli which function is to taking in oxygen and giving out carbon dioxide. The oxygen inhaled is then pass down to the bloodstream. Proper breathing will continue as long as there is no interference in the normal functioning of the alveoli.

What disrupting the normal function of our lung and caused fluids to fill the lungs?

In general the cause of fluid filled lungs can be related to heart problems (cardiac), however we can’t denied the fact that it may be caused by some sort of lung infection and or other factor that not caused by heart problem or we call it noncardiac pulmonary edema. Below discuss on factors that may caused pulmonary edema.

Heart Problems

The main function of the heart is to take pure oxygenated blood from the lungs through pulmonary veins and then delivered to various parts of the body. In cases where the heart fails to perform the jobs causes the blood in the pulmonary to backs up. Bloods in the moving opposite direction puts excessive strain on these veins. Due to this excessive pressure, the veins start leaking. As these veins pass through the lungs, the fluid that comes out, finds its way into the alveoli. This fluid disrupts the normal flow of oxygen through the lungs leading to shortness of breath. Those whom suffered from heart failure may also have the risk of developing pulmonary edema.

Pneumonia

Fluid filled lungs may also caused by pneumonia. This medical condition that typically affects the respiratory system is typically marked by inflammation of the lungs. Basically, pneumonia is classified as an infection of the lungs that can occur from viruses, bacteria or fungi. After gaining access to the lungs, the harmful microbes thrive in the alveoli. As a response to the infection, the alveoli become filled with fluid. This impairs the oxygen flow to the bloodstream, eventually causing breathing problems.

High Altitudes
Hikers are predisposed to high altitude pulmonary edema if they don't carry appropriate equipment along with them. It is a known fact that oxygen level and air pressure reduces as we climb higher altitudes. This increases pressure on the pulmonary arteries. The pressure build up may force the arteries to leak fluid into the lung.

Kidney Problems
Function of kidneys is to purify blood by extracting fluid and then disposing it off in the form of urine. It is also involved in regulating sodium (salt) levels, excess of which is eliminated through urine. Too much of sodium in the body can cause fluid retention (edema) in any part of the body including the lungs. Considering the function of kidney if it fails or malfunction, eliminating waste from the blood as well as controlling sodium levels are disrupted. All this can contribute in the development of fluid filled lungs.

Exposure to certain toxins

These include toxins you inhale — such as chlorine or ammonia — as well as those that may circulate within your own body, for example, if you inhale some of your stomach contents when you vomit.

Smoke inhalation

Smoke from a fire contains chemicals that damage the membrane between the air sacs and the capillaries, allowing fluid to enter your lungs

Near drowning

Inhaling water causes noncardiac pulmonary edema that is reversible with immediate attention.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

This serious disorder occurs when your lungs suddenly fill with fluid and inflammatory white blood cells. Many conditions can cause ARDS, including severe injuries (trauma), systemic infection (sepsis), pneumonia and shock.

As we can see that Pulmonary Edema can be caused by a lot of factors. Unfortunately to my friend’s father, the doctor had performed biopsy on his father’s lung and the cell tested to be cancerous. It is not 100 percent sure yet as the father has to perform CT scan to prove the diagnosis. Doctor says that it is however 70 percent chances to be positive. This had really makes my friend very sad and looking for ways to cure. I told him to wait for the CT scan result first and know the cancer stage, before thinking of any medication. Doctors says that his father fluid filled lungs might also caused by this cancer cell. Will keep you posted once I get further stories from my friend – hope that my friend will stay strong physically and mentally for the coming struggle that he and his family will be facing.