Water in the lungs of the elderly can be common. It occurs mainly in those who have been suffering from heart problems for a long time. Pulmonary edema, in Latin Oedema pulmonis, is a very life-threatening condition and requires prompt and appropriate intervention. Most often, when water appears in the lungs, the cause is poor heart function. As we all know the heart has two atria and two chambers. The left atrium and ventricle are functional units as well as the right, and there is no mixing of blood between the two sides.
To the right side of the heart comes blood from the body, the so-called venous blood. It further enters the pulmonary bloodstream where it is enriched with oxygen. Alveoli are the extreme branches of the lung tissue in the form of bubbles, into which air enters during inhalation. On its walls, there is a tangle of thin blood vessels through which our blood is enriched with oxygen. It then returns to the left side of the heart, and it further pumps that oxygenated blood back into all the tissues.
Where does the water in our lungs come from?
Intercellular fluid naturally exists everywhere in our body, which the lymphatic system distributes throughout the body. But if it accumulates to a greater extent than normal, serious problems occur.
When the ability of the left side of the heart to pump blood decreases, it leads to high blood pressure. At the same time, the pressure in the capillaries of the lungs increases, so much so that the intercellular fluid in the lung tissue begins to settle rapidly. Until at some point it begins to enter the alveoli themselves. This is also due to a disorder in the flow of fluid between the alveoli and capillaries.
The parts of the lungs that are affected by edema no longer participate in the exchange of gases. So the absorption of oxygen in the body is reduced, as well as the emission of carbon dioxide.
In the normal physiological state, there are 20 percent of fluids in the human lungs. If there is an accumulation of water in the lungs, that value is over 30 percent.
There is acute pulmonary edema that occurs suddenly and the symptoms worsen very quickly. In such cases, one should react as quickly as possible and call an ambulance, in order to avoid irreversible consequences.
Acute pulmonary edema manifests itself in two stages.
First, fluid collects in the intercellular space, which is interstitial pulmonary edema or so-called. cardiac form of asthma. Breathing problems and a cough reminiscent of asthma.
The second stage is alveolar pulmonary edema, where fluid enters the alveoli. In this state, breathing is extremely difficult, which is why lying down is disabled because it causes suffocation.
If the symptoms and difficulties related to breathing appear gradually, then it is chronic pulmonary edema. It starts with difficulty breathing in a lying position, so the patient often wakes up during the night. Of course, if you recognize these signs, be sure to see a doctor. Especially when breathing problems last for a long period of time.
Ode to the lungs and legs can also be caused by some chronic changes. It is noticed by swelling of the extremities and a constant feeling of fatigue.
It also occurs due to an injury in the chest area, e.g. after a car accident, from a burn, due to a fat embolism and the like.
Also, complications of this type sometimes occur after surgery, such as thrombus removal or lung transplantation.
Inhalation of toxic substances such as ammonia, chlorine, smoke, various industrial vapors, can lead to such consequences.
Excessive use of certain drugs, as well as drugs. Or due to drowning when water is inhaled. It can happen in some situations that we bring fluids from the stomach into the lungs by inhalation, during meals and drinks.
Unfortunately, water in the lungs is not uncommon in cancer. This condition can cause cancer of the colon, lungs or as a result of metastases in the lungs.
When staying longer than two days at altitudes above 2400m, this problem can arise. Because the concentration of oxygen there is over 60 percent, and due to the difference in air pressure, it affects the blood circulation in the lungs.
First and foremost, check your blood pressure regularly.
When it comes to nutrition, use as many vegetables and seasonal fruits as possible. Consume food with as little salt as possible and avoid strong spices.
Maintain your standard body weight, because being overweight in itself impairs the condition and vitality of the body. Of course, a physically active lifestyle is also important for this purpose. So go for walks, bike rides and exercise daily.
If you are a smoker, quit smoking, reduce the use of alcoholic beverages to a minimum, and it is desirable to quit drinking altogether.
If you use diuretics, as an integral part of blood pressure lowering therapy, consume foods rich in magnesium and potassium. So to replace these minerals in the body, which are largely excreted in the urine. They are especially rich in green leafy plants, apricots and bananas. Cucumber, tomato and celery also contain a lot of potassium.
Mortality from pulmonary edema is quite high if it is not responded to in a timely manner. But most often it is closely related to severe heart disease. If water in the lungs is caused by cancer, it can be treated, but these are the most severe forms of such diseases.
Dr bettyboop got it! Thanks