Experiencing fluid in the lungs is a nightmare for elderly individuals. As they take each breath, fluid enters the lungs instead of the air. The result is that these seniors feel like they’re drowning. Caregivers should know how to immediately respond if an aging loved one has fluid in their lungs.

What causes fluid in a senior’s lungs?

The excess fluid inside the lungs is known by the medical term pulmonary edema, which means swelling of the lungs. The causes of pulmonary edema may be any one of several. Basically, the condition is either heart-related (cardiogenic) or not heart-related (non-cardiogenic).

Fluid backing up into the lungs may be caused by a heart-related problem. The most common cause is congestive heart failure. The left side of the heart pumps blood incorrectly, causing blood to back up into the lung’s blood vessels. Fluid is then pushed into the lung’s air sacs.

Pulmonary edema that results from congestive heart failure may result from a heart attack, weakened heart muscles, leaky or narrowed heart valves, high blood pressure, or an abnormal heart rhythm. The condition may be caused by the inflammation of the heart muscle or fluid in the heart’s lining.

Noncardiac pulmonary edema, also known as adult respiratory distress syndrome, is caused by issues that do not involve the heart. In such cases, blood vessels in the lungs become inflamed or injured. The blood vessels start to leak, and fluid is distributed into the air sacs in the lungs.

Inflammation triggers the problem, with common causes, like pneumonia or sepsis—conditions frequently affecting seniors. Additional causes include pancreatitis, liver disease, trauma or bleeding, or swelling in the brain. Blockages in the airway can lead to negative pressure pulmonary edema.

What are the symptoms of fluid in the lungs?

Pulmonary edema may manifest suddenly, as in acute cases; or, the condition may occur over the long-term, as in chronic pulmonary edema. Seniors suffering from fluid in their lungs show various symptoms, depending on whether their edema is acute or chronic.

When pulmonary edema appears without warning, the aging individual is likely to experience shortness of breath, especially when lying down or moving their body. Coughing up blood is common, as are wheezing, gasping for air, chest tightness, and chest pain.

In instances of chronic pulmonary edema, the symptoms are similar to the acute form of the condition but milder. Additional symptoms include a feeling of breathlessness that awakens the senior, swelling in the legs, tiredness, and shortness of breath when lying flat.

How should caregivers respond to symptoms?

Pulmonary edema, whether acute or chronic, is a serious condition. When seniors display symptoms, it is critical that they seek immediate medical treatment. The aging adult may have to be treated in the emergency room (ER) or the intensive care unit (ICU).

The caregiver should either call 911 or transport the senior to the ER when symptoms of acute pulmonary edema, such as rapid heartbeat, bluish or grayish skin, excessive sweating or dizziness, or weakness appear. If the senior wheezes or gasps, they are also reasons to head to the ER.

Once under a doctor’s care, the senior may receive oxygen delivered through the nose. The care recipient may wear a mask through which air is blown into the lungs via a machine. The senior may require a ventilator or respirator that blows in air through a tube in the windpipe.

Other treatment options that a physician may prescribe include medications that cause the senior to urinate and eliminate excess fluid. Or medicines may be given to strengthen the patient’s heart. Antibiotics or steroids are alternate drug options when congestive heart failure isn’t the cause of pulmonary edema.

After treatment is advised, the caregiver is responsible for ensuring compliance. For example, medications prescribed to counter the effects of fluid in the lungs should be taken on time and in the correct dosages. Family or professional caregivers can provide timely medication reminders.

How is fluid in the lungs prevented?

Seniors who have a high risk of developing fluid in the lungs should take preventive measures, and caregivers can provide the necessary help. Caregivers should provide medication reminders to ensure seniors take medications as directed, especially if aging adults suffer from a heart condition.

Caregivers should provide transportation to doctors’ offices for routine vaccinations and ongoing treatment to address any problems with breathing. Active seniors should be encouraged to discuss with their physician plans for certain activities, like mountain climbing, that can cause the condition.

Further self-care activities include eating a healthy diet, especially one low in salt. A part of professional caregiving duties is to prepare balanced meals and ensure hydration. Caregivers can also shop for nutritious foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, to help the senior maintain a healthy weight.

When your aging loved one is at risk for developing fluid in the lungs, he may need monitoring at home. Assisting Hands Home Care offers around-the-clock home care to ensure older adults have ongoing support at home. Our professional caregivers are dedicated to meeting all nonmedical care needs.

Responsibilities our caregivers perform include assistance with personal hygiene tasks, meal preparation, transportation to doctors’ offices or for errands, light housekeeping, and companionship. We remain in the home with the care recipient and respond immediately to emergencies. A benefit is that our caregivers are trained in CPR and First Aid.

If the senior has recently been released from the hospital for an illness or other medical condition, like pulmonary edema, our home care agency offers post-hospitalization care and 24-hour in-home care. Other care options include memory care, respite care, live-in care, and hospice care.

Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care for the compassionate care we deliver and the dependability of our experienced caregivers. Choose us when you are looking for reliable senior care for your elderly loved one. We serve Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, North Port, Bradenton, Florida, and the surrounding areas. Call today at (941) 315-2336 to schedule a consultation.