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Lungs Respiratory system

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Pulmonary edema

Alternative Names: Lung/pulmonary congestion; Lung water Symptoms: Shortness of breath Difficulty breathing Feeling of "air hunger" or "drowning" Grunting or gurgling sounds with breathing Wheezing Shortness of breath with lying down, causing the patient to sleep with head propped up or using extra pillows Cough Anxiety Restlessness Excessive sweating Pale skin Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: Nasal flaring Coughing up blood Inability to speak from air hunger Decrease in level of awareness Signs and tests: Text Continues Below During a physical exam, the provider may identify the following signs: Rapid breathing and increased heart rate Crackles in the lungs or abnormal heart sounds (while listening to the chest with a stethoscope) Pale or blue skin color Possible tests include: Blood oxygen levels (low) A chest x-ray may reveal fluid in or around the lung space or an enlarged heart An ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) may reveal weak heart muscle, leaking or narrow heart valves, or fluid surrounding the heart

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