Answered by Dr. Howard E. LeWine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
Pulmonary edema refers to accumulation of fluid in the lungs secondary to leakage from the lungs’ small blood vessels. It can happen because of high pressure within or damage to these small blood vessels. The main symptoms are shortness of breath and chest tightness. Oxygen exchange in the lungs becomes impaired and blood oxygen levels fall. If untreated, the brain, heart and other organs in the body may stop functioning normally.
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Answered by Dr. Sai Kiran Kumar K
MBBS, MD · 9 years of experience · India
Complications of pulmonary edema include pulmonary hypertension that may lead to respiratory failure. Pleural effusion may set in. Swelling of the lower limbs and even the abdomen can occur. Liver congestion.
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Answered by Dr. Animesh Hore
MBBS · 4 years of experience · India
There can be Dyspnea due to respiratory fatigue or failure. There can be generalized swelling of the body specially lower limbs and face. There are chances of Pleural Effusion. Congestion and swelling of the liver and can compromise its functions.
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Answered by Dr. Israel B Dos Santos
Master of Public Health · 1 years of experience · Brazil
Complications depend on the underlying cause. In general, if pulmonary edema continues, the pressure in the pulmonary artery can go up (pulmonary hypertension). Eventually, the heart becomes weak and begins to fail, and pressures in the heart and lungs go up. Complications can include: Breathing difficulty, Swelling of the legs, feet and abdomen, Build up of fluid in the membranes that surround your lungs (pleural effusion), and Congestion and swelling of the life.
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