Pulmonary edema primarily falls into two major categories, as outlined below.
Types of Pulmonary Edema
According to current medical understanding, the two primary types of pulmonary edema are:
| Type of Pulmonary Edema | Description |
|---|---|
| Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema | This type is caused by heart problems. The heart's inability to effectively pump blood leads to increased pressure in the blood vessels of the lungs, forcing fluid into the air sacs. |
| Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema | This type is caused by conditions that directly affect the lungs, or by other systemic issues not related to heart function, leading to increased permeability of the lung capillaries and fluid leakage. |
In essence, cardiogenic pulmonary edema arises from heart-related issues, while noncardiogenic pulmonary edema stems from problems directly affecting the lungs or other bodily systems.
