Pulmonary edema

Pulmonary edema is a condition caused by an imbalance in the production and reabsorption of fluid within the lungs, leading to a rapid accumulation of a large amount of fluid that cannot be absorbed. This fluid extravasates from the pulmonary capillaries and collects in the alveoli, pulmonary interstitium, and small bronchi, resulting in severe impairment of lung ventilation and gas exchange. Key symptoms include extreme dyspnea, orthopnea, cyanosis, profuse sweating, and paroxysmal coughing accompanied by a large amount of white or pink frothy sputum.