What is the term for the abnormal build-up of fluid in the lungs?

The abnormal build-up of fluid in the lungs is referred to as pulmonary edema. This condition often occurs when the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to increased pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs. As a result, fluid leaks into the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs, which can impair gas exchange and lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and a feeling of suffocation.

Pulmonary edema can be caused by various factors, including heart failure, pneumonia, and exposure to high altitudes. Recognizing this condition is critical for emergency responders and healthcare providers, as prompt treatment can significantly affect patient outcomes.

While other terms such as pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and bronchitis relate to respiratory conditions, they refer to different processes. Pneumothorax involves air in the pleural space, pleural effusion involves fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity (the space between the lungs and the chest wall), and bronchitis refers to inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Each of these conditions can affect breathing but does so through mechanisms that are distinctly separate from pulmonary edema.