What is pulmonary congestion? According to the MedlinePlus medical dictionary, pulmonary congestion is the abnormal accumulation of liquid in the lungs, usually related to an inflammation or congestive heart failure.
Pulmonary congestion makes the air sacs in the lungs waterlogged. It also impedes the exchange of air, making breathing difficult. A person with pulmonary congestion can suffocate due to the increasing fluid and then may suffer heart failure, which can lead to death.
Chest congestion can lead to the loss of air space and then cardiac arrest. Difficult breathing and severe pain in the chest when coughing makes it more strenuous for the individual to expel the mucus from the bronchial tubes. If the effort to expel the liquid by coughing fails, the mucus may obstruct the airways that carry the air to the lungs, which can consequently leads to a heart attack.
Pulmonary Congestion Symptoms
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term used to describe the narrowing of airways in the chest. Chest congestion interferes with the function of respiration, which can render the lungs useless. The respirations are rapid and the action of the heart is accelerated when there is chest congestion. There is also want of breath and cough, sometimes, accompanied by irritation and chest pain.
Other known pulmonary congestion symptoms are persistent cough, excessive sweating, pale skin and anxiety. At a later stage, because of the extensive fluid retention, the hands and legs will swell gradually. In addition, there is a convulsive elevation of the diaphragm when coughing. As fluid continues to accumulate, the shortness of breath becomes more acute, with audible wheezing, and coughing.
Pulmonary Congestion Known Remedies
In normal lungs, a continuous stream of fluid flows from the capillary bed to the alveolar interstitium. In pulmonary congestion, an X-ray will clearly show fluid build-up in the lungs and upper airway obstruction.
Treatment and measures for pulmonary congestion are not easy. Chronic lung congestion usually causes the heart to fail. Thus, treatment should be fast and adequate.
Current orthodox medicine management includes the used of Terbutaline as a bronchodilator to relieve wheeze and shortness of breath. Steroid nasal sprays can reduce nasal allergy and nasal congestion. The inhalation of water and medicated vapors is an old remedy for cough and lungs congestion. The simple steam of warm water, either pure or impregnated with the virtues of emollient medicines can release congestion. [The Cyclopaedia of Practical Medicine, John Forbes, 348 – 352]
Breathing in warm vapor facilitates the expectoration of the liquid within the tubes that obstructs the free passage of air to the air cells. Circulatory and cardiac support can be obtained from herbs such as ginkgo biloba and the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinal. The antioxidant effects can also reduce the rate of the condition. [Mills2000]
Oxygenate the body. Breathing exercises can help regulate body functions, stimulate blood circulation, and enhance cardiac functions. "In all serious disease states we find a concomitant low oxygen state. Low oxygen in the body tissues is a sure indicator for disease. Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen in the tissues, is the fundamental cause for all degenerative disease” says Dr. Stephen Levine, Renowned Molecular Biologist.
In case of a persistent cough and oppression in the chest felt beneath the breastbone, the patient should immediately consult a doctor. Pulmonary congestion is a condition that requires instant and decisive treatment and measure, which life depends on. Timely treatment can save life.
References:
- The Medical Times, Volume 16, Publisher: Churchill, 1847, page 22
- Fundamentals of Clinical Trials by Lawrence M. Friedman, Curt Furberg, David L. DeMets, Publisher: Birkhäuser, 1998, page 291
Lizzie Elzingre - The Malay Temper is the main component of the Filipino Culture. The premier Malay characteristic described as pleasant and obliging is a ...
Join the Conversation