Pulmonary congestion

Pulmonary congestion is a medical condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which can lead to difficulty in breathing and other complications. It is often associated with heart failure, but can also be caused by other conditions such as pulmonary edema or pneumonia.

Causes

The most common cause of pulmonary congestion is left-sided heart failure. This occurs when the left side of the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to a buildup of pressure in the pulmonary veins. This pressure forces fluid into the air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs, resulting in congestion.

Other causes of pulmonary congestion include:

• Pulmonary edema: This is a condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, often as a result of heart failure, but it can also occur due to other conditions such as kidney failure or severe infections.
• Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing congestion.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pulmonary congestion can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but may include:

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying flat
• Fatigue
• Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Persistent cough or wheezing with white or pink blood-tinged phlegm

Treatment

Treatment for pulmonary congestion typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This may involve medications to treat heart failure or pneumonia, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, or in severe cases, surgery.

See also

• Heart failure
• Pulmonary edema
• Pneumonia