tüdödémában

Tüdőödéma, often referred to as pulmonary edema, is a medical condition where excess fluid accumulates in the air sacs of the lungs. This fluid buildup can make breathing extremely difficult. The primary function of the air sacs, or alveoli, is to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide, and their filling with fluid severely impairs this process.

There are two main types of pulmonary edema: cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic. Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is the most common type and is typically caused by heart problems. When the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, pressure can build up in the veins that return blood from the lungs to the heart. This increased pressure forces fluid from the blood vessels into the alveoli. Conditions like heart failure, heart attack, and valve problems can lead to this.

Non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema arises from direct injury to the lung tissue itself, rather than a heart issue. Causes include pneumonia, sepsis, inhaling toxic substances, severe allergic reactions, drowning, and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). In these cases, the lung's blood vessels become more permeable, allowing fluid to leak into the air sacs.

Symptoms of pulmonary edema can vary depending on the severity but often include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, a cough that produces frothy sputum (sometimes pink), rapid breathing, and a feeling of suffocation. If left untreated, pulmonary edema can be life-threatening. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and removing the excess fluid from the lungs.