To identify the presence of water or other fluids in the lung, the physician must perform the clinical examination (observe the individual) and request:
- Pulmonary and cardiac auscultation;
- Check blood pressure;
- X-ray;
- Arterial blood gases;
- Dosage of cardiac enzymes and
- Electrocardiography.
The x-ray may show quantities greater than 75 ml of fluid in the lungs, and to identify quantities greater than 10 ml, the most appropriate is the realiza- tion of exams such as ultrasound and computed tomography.
So he can close the diagnosis of pulmonary edema and exclude or not heart disease, one of the possible causes.
How to treat water in the lung
As soon as the diagnosis of water in the lung is closed, the treatment must be started in order to eliminate the water present in the respiratory system and facilitate the breathing of the individual. What can be achieved by taking medications and using oxygen masks.
Water in the lung is a serious situation generates a picture called respiratory failure, which if not treated quickly can lead to death in a few hours.
Useful links:
- Pleural effusion
- Pulmonary hypertension
