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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffYour lungs contain millions of small, elastic air sacs. With each breath, the air sacs take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Normally, the exchange of gases takes place without problems. But sometimes increased pressure in the blood vessels in your lungs forces fluid into the air sacs, preventing them from absorbing oxygen — a condition called pulmonary edema.
In most cases, heart problems cause pulmonary edema. But fluid can accumulate for other reasons, including pneumonia, exposure to certain toxins and medications, and exercising or living at high elevations.
Acute pulmonary edema is a medical emergency requiring immediate care. Although pulmonary edema can sometimes prove fatal, the outlook is often good when you receive prompt treatment for pulmonary edema along with therapy for the underlying problem.
Symptoms
