Causes of liquids in lungs

   Pulmonary Edema

Pulmonary Edema or abnormal accumulation of liquid in the lungs is a serious condition because it affects breathing; and may lead to death. As fluid fills into the lungs, the tiny alveoli sacs responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange become filled thereby disrupting normal breathing. Symptoms of pulmonary edema include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, anxiety, excessive sweating and Tachycardia or fast heartbeat, according to the University of Illinois Medical Center. Other symptoms that are more serious include coughing up blood, decreased alertness, nasal flaring and inability to speak full sentences.

Cardiac Cause

According to the Mayo Clinic website Mayo Clinic.com, whenever the left ventricle or heart chamber does not function properly, it usually causes edema. Several conditions can cause the left ventricle to weaken or fail thereby backing up blood flow. Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries become clogged with plaque or fatty deposits and clots may form blocking the flow of blood to the heart. When blood does not reach the heart muscle, the tissue dies and becomes non-functional. Cardiomyopathy refers to heart damage due to several factors. One factor includes heredity whereby a family carries a defective gene leading to heart disease. Other causes include viral infections, drug and alcohol abuse. Heart valve problems also lead to edema when the valves do not work properly causing blood to flow backwards into the lungs. Finally, high blood pressure may also put pressure on the left ventricle by causing it to thicken.

Illness, Toxins and Drugs

Pulmonary edema may also have non-cardiac causes. Acute respiratory distress syndrome or A  R D S is a serious condition where the lungs fill up with fluid and become inflamed, says Mayo Clinic.com. This condition can result because of trauma, pneumonia, shock and infection. Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are not functioning properly due to illness and are unable to remove excess fluid from the body. The fluid accumulation may fill the lungs. Inhalation of toxins like chlorine, ammonia and smoke may cause damage to membranes of the lungs resulting in fluid leakage into the air sacs. Drugs may also be responsible for pulmonary edema. This includes illegal drugs like cocaine and heroin as well as legal drugs like aspirin and chemotherapy.

High Altitude

High altitude pulmonary edema or H A P E is a serious condition caused by high altitude which puts pressure on the pulmonary capillaries or blood vessels, says Mayo Clinic.com. The condition occurs at elevations above 8,000 feet and affects mountain climbers, skiers, and hikers who do not acclimate themselves prior to physical activity. Acclimating to high altitudes should be done each time one is attempting any sort of activity.