Few things can be as uncomfortable as having difficulty breathing. Discomfort in your lungs can significantly impact your daily life and can be life-threatening in some situations. One cause of extreme lung discomfort or difficulty breathing is when fluid and air get trapped in your lungs, a condition known as pulmonary edema. The Metropolitan Vascular Institute specializes in treating many pulmonary issues and the complications they present. If you’ve struggled with lung discomfort, our office is here to help. Here are a few ways we can treat lung fluid and help restore your quality of life.
How Does Pulmonary Edema Happen?
Lung fluid buildup can occur for several reasons. One of the common causes of pulmonary edema is heart conditions such as congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure occurs when the left side of the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently through your body. When this happens, blood backs up into the lungs and forces fluid into your air sacs, making breathing difficult. Other causes of pulmonary edema can include
- Pneumonia
- A chest injury
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- High blood pressure
- Sepsis
How Dangerous is Pulmonary Edema?
It’s crucial to receive immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms consistent with pulmonary edema. Shortness of breath, difficulty speaking in complete sentences, wheezing, or coughing up blood may indicate that you’re dealing with pulmonary edema, making medical attention essential. If untreated, pulmonary edema can be life-threatening, so getting immediate professional help is crucial.
How We Can Help
Due to other medical conditions, some people deal with chronic pulmonary edema. Our office specializes in helping those with chronic lung conditions have a suitable quality of life. One strategy we employ to help is Thoracentesis procedures.
Thoracentesis procedures remove excess lung fluid by inserting a small needle between your ribs and using a suction device to drain fluid, helping to relieve shortness of breath and discomfort. The procedure typically takes less than 20 minutes, allowing you to resume your day quickly. The first step in finding out how our office can address your needs is to schedule an appointment. Please contact our Waldorf location today by calling us at (301) 374-8540.