If there is too much fluid in or around your lungs, the extra pressure will make it hard for your lungs to exchange oxygen, making breathing difficult. If caught early on, this condition can be treated successfully. If it comes on quickly, or is severe, it can be life-threatening. If you are at risk for this condition, it is important to understand the causes of pulmonary edema, and then take steps to reduce your risk.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of pulmonary edema, states the Mayo Clinic. If your heart is not able to properly pump blood and fluid, the heart's chambers can not empty properly. This means that blood and fluid can back up into the heart instead of being pumped out. If the fluid backs up too much, it can eventually end up in the air sacs in your lungs. There are many heart conditions that can contribute to pulmonary edema. This includes coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, heart valve problems, irregular heart rhythms and high blood pressure. Taking steps to reduce your risk of heart disease will also reduce your risk of developing pulmonary edema. If you already have heart disease, you need to do all you can to manage it and keep it under control.
Kidney Disease
According to the National Institutes of Health, if your kidneys are not filtering properly, you can start to retain fluid. This can happen in various areas of the body including your lungs. As this occurs, you may notice a rise in blood pressure and begin to urinate less frequently. If you have kidney disease or another condition, such as diabetes or heart disease that raises your risk of kidney disease, your doctor will need to monitor you closely to prevent pulmonary edema.
Lung Infections
If you develop an infection in your lungs or pneumonia, you may also develop pulmonary edema. If you have an infection, your body will respond by developing inflammation. This can lead to fluid back up or actual physical injury to the lungs. This can inhibit the lung's ability to process oxygen. Any situation that places extra demands on the lungs or exposes them to irritants can contribute to pulmonary edema. This includes smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, being around pollutants at work or in the environment and exercising at high altitudes.
