Types of Lung Congestion and How They Affect Your Health
Our respiratory system is unique in terms of functioning and the exchange of gases. The lungs are the second biggest organs in terms of surface area. When spread, it covers up to 75 square meters. It covers the size of half the size of a tennis court. When the lungs are congested for various reasons, our chest feels heavy and we cannot breathe properly. In this section, we will study lung congestion, its symptoms, and the causes behind the congestion. It is a medical condition that should be studied methodically.
What is Chest Congestion?
The thoracic cavity of human physiology is almost occupied by a pair of lungs. This pair of organs remains inside the rib cage protected properly. It is like an air sac that can expand and contract to inhale and exhale air. Its primary function is to exchange gases. It absorbs oxygen from the inhaled air by means of diffusion. The increased surface area due to the presence of grapes-like structure or alveoli ensures proper absorption of oxygen in the bloodstream. On the other hand, carbon dioxide passes from the bloodstream to the air inside the lungs. It is then exhaled or excreted. When the lungs are filled with internal secretion or blood, it can cause congestion. It can also happen due to pathogenic invasions causing lung diseases.
When the lungs are filled with unwanted fluid due to particular anatomical reasons or ailments, it causes chest congestion. The patient will not be able to breathe properly and will feel breathless as the alveoli pouches are filled with fluid or blood. The patient will struggle to breathe to get more oxygen for the maintenance of bodily functions. In chronic cases, the affected person might have to seek artificial breathing assistance from a healthcare centre. Lung congestion is a symptom that indicates the presence of a grave ailment. This ailment needs to be diagnosed and treated before the situation aggravates. It is also called pulmonary edema. Let us check the different types of pulmonary edema.
Types of Pulmonary Edema
The process of accumulation of fluid inside the lungs causing congestion and irregular breathing is called pulmonary edema. When the lungs get filled with more fluid, it causes immense breathing problems as the patient struggles for air. Here are the different types of pulmonary edema as per their origin.
1. Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema
As per the pulmonary oedema meaning, in this case, it happens due to a problem in the heart. The left ventricular chamber when pumps blood ineffectively, can cause the accumulation of blood due to building pressure. The arteries are quite narrow in lumen size. Hence, this building pressure can damage the valves causing backflow of blood to the lungs.
2. Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema
If we define congestion, in this case, it can happen due to multiple reasons. The common reasons are:
Higher pressure built in the chest causing airway blockage
Blood clots
Acute respiratory distress syndrome, also known as ARDS.
Invasive procedures in the brain
Chemical contact with chlorine, toxins, ammonia, etc.
Injury due to sharp blow or a potential impact
Injury caused when blood clots are removed
Viral infections
Sepsis
Pneumonia
Symptoms of Chest Congestion
The chest congestion symptoms are elaborated below:
1. Long Term Presence of Edema
When pulmonary edema is present for a longer period, the patient will show symptoms like shortness of breath during physical activity, facing difficulty breathing while lying down, wheezing sound during breathing, waking up when feeling breathless, gaining weight in the legs, fatigue, and swelling in the lower body portion.
2. High Altitude Syndrome
The occurrence of chest congestion, in this case, is quite common. It is also called altitude sickness. Here, a person can experience headaches, rapid & irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, fever, coughing, and a lot of difficulties while gaining altitude on foot.
How Pulmonary Edema is Diagnosed?
The congestion in the lungs occurs due to various reasons. The prime question is when to seek medical attention and get the ailment diagnosed. Medical practitioners suggest seeking attention when a patient is suffering from increased heart rate, crackling sounds in the lungs, rapid breathing, and abnormal heart sounds. The tests that are generally performed are complete blood count, ECG, chest X-ray, oxygen level test, etc. The lung congestion meaning and reason are then identified. It is then a treatment plan is set for the quick recovery of the patients.
How Congestive Lungs are Treated?
After the proper diagnosis and analysis of the chest congestion symptoms, the treatment plan is designed. If it is due to any pathogenic infection, the causative agent should be identified and the proper treatment plan should be initiated. Sometimes, it is required to give life support when it advances to venous congestion. If not treated, it can cause arterial thrombosis and end up in necrosis of the tissues.
Conclusion
In this article, we have studied what is congestion in the lungs, its causes, and how to treat them. The reasons should be properly studied and understood. Your knowledge related to the anatomy of the lungs will be needed too. Hence, study the symptoms, causes, and treatment of lung congestion and understand these anatomical concepts well.
FAQs on What Is Lung Congestion? Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
1. What exactly is lung congestion in biological terms?
Lung congestion refers to the accumulation of excess fluid, mucus, or other substances within the airways and air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. This condition is not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying issue. The buildup physically obstructs the pathways for air, impairing the primary function of the lungs, which is the efficient exchange of gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide.
2. What are the main causes of congestion in the lungs?
The primary causes of lung congestion can be grouped into several categories:
- Infections: Viral or bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and influenza trigger an inflammatory response, leading to the production of excess mucus and fluid.
- Cardiac Issues: Conditions like congestive heart failure can prevent the heart from pumping blood effectively, causing blood to back up in the pulmonary vessels and leak fluid into the lung tissue (pulmonary oedema).
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma involve chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to persistent mucus production and congestion.
- Environmental Irritants: Inhaling smoke, pollutants, or allergens can irritate the lung lining, causing inflammation and fluid accumulation as a protective response.
3. What are the common symptoms that indicate lung congestion?
The key symptoms associated with lung congestion include a persistent cough that may produce phlegm (sputum), shortness of breath (dyspnoea), especially during physical activity or when lying down, a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest, and audible wheezing or a rattling sound during breathing. The colour and consistency of the mucus can sometimes indicate the underlying cause, such as a bacterial infection.
4. How does a lung infection biologically lead to congestion?
When pathogens like bacteria or viruses invade the lungs, the body's immune system initiates an inflammatory response. This process increases blood flow to the affected area and makes capillaries more permeable. As a result, immune cells and fluid from the blood leak into the alveoli and airways. Simultaneously, specialised cells in the airways, called goblet cells, are stimulated to produce excessive amounts of mucus to trap the invaders. This combination of immune fluid and thick mucus results in the condition known as lung congestion.
5. How can heart problems cause fluid buildup in the lungs?
This condition, known as cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, occurs when the left ventricle of the heart is too weak to pump blood efficiently to the rest of the body. This inefficiency causes blood to back up into the blood vessels of the lungs (the pulmonary circulation). The resulting increase in pressure forces fluid out of the capillaries and into the alveoli, leading to congestion that is not caused by an infection but by a cardiovascular issue.
6. What are the general principles for treating lung congestion?
Treatment for lung congestion focuses on two main goals: addressing the underlying cause and managing the symptoms. For bacterial infections, antibiotics are prescribed. For heart-related fluid buildup, diuretics are used to help the body eliminate excess fluid. Symptomatic relief often involves:
- Expectorants: Medications that help thin the mucus, making it easier to cough up.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep mucus thin and mobile.
- Humidified Air: Inhaling steam or using a humidifier can soothe irritated airways and loosen secretions.
7. Is it possible to have lung congestion without other signs of illness like a fever?
Yes, it is entirely possible. While fever is a common sign of infection, lung congestion from non-infectious causes like congestive heart failure, allergies, or exposure to irritants like smoke typically does not present with a fever. Chronic conditions such as COPD or asthma can also cause persistent congestion as part of their regular pathophysiology, separate from any acute infection.
8. Why can it sometimes be difficult to cough up mucus from congested lungs?
Several biological factors can make it hard to clear mucus. The mucus may be excessively thick and sticky (viscous) due to dehydration or the specific nature of an infection. Furthermore, the tiny hair-like structures called cilia, which line the airways and rhythmically move mucus upwards, can be damaged by smoking or chronic disease, impairing their function. Finally, if the congestion is located deep within the smaller airways (bronchioles), a weak or ineffective cough may not generate enough force to expel it.
