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Understanding Pulmonary Edema: When the Lungs Struggle to Breathe

Pulmonary edema is a critical medical condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the alveoli—the tiny, delicate air sacs in the lungs where oxygen enters the bloodstream. When these sacs fill with liquid instead of air, the body is deprived of oxygen, leading to a terrifying sensation often described by patients as "drowning on dry land."

The Two Faces of Fluid Buildup

Medical professionals generally categorize pulmonary edema into two types based on the underlying cause:

Cardiogenic (Heart-Related): This is the most common form. It occurs when the heart’s left ventricle is weakened or overworked (often due to congestive heart failure, a heart attack, or valve disease). Because the heart cannot pump efficiently, pressure backs up into the pulmonary veins, forcing fluid through the capillary walls and into the air sacs.