You get water in your lungs when too much fluid accumulates there, a condition called pulmonary edema. This interferes with your ability to breathe normally.
Causes of Pulmonary Edema
While heart disease is the most common cause, several other factors can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs. Here's a breakdown of potential causes:
- Heart-related Issues: Problems with the heart's ability to pump blood effectively can cause fluid to back up into the lungs.
- Kidney Failure: When the kidneys aren't working correctly, they can't remove excess fluid from the body, which can then accumulate in the lungs.
- Blood Transfusion Reactions: In some cases, reactions to blood transfusions can lead to pulmonary edema.
- High Altitude: Traveling to or residing at high altitudes can sometimes trigger fluid accumulation in the lungs. This is known as high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
