WET LUNG

A wet lung is a condition of the lungs that is usually due to acute lung injury. This usually manifests with cough and rales and is usually due to inflammation that makes the lung tissues stiff and hard, preventing the further exchange of oxygen. It occurs in people who are exposed to irritants such as acids or poisons.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of a wet lung may include coughing and shortness of breath, as well as fever and joint pain which can come on unexpectedly. The lung inflammation can take years to form, inciting reactions like coughing and shortness of breath due to scarring of the lungs.

DIAGNOSIS

Those people who are suspected to have wet lung must know the trigger and can be prescribed steroids to treat signs and symptoms. Steroids may be given such as methylprednisolone to treat lung and airway inflammation.

TREATMENT

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a deadly and risky condition that requires the patient to be in an intensive care unit. Treatment is then done to:

Identify and treat the cause. If the cause is sepsis, antibiotics should be started

Avoiding medical complications. This includes the prevention of ventilator-acquired pneumonia and further lung injuries.

Supportive treatment

Most patients will require oxygen and ventilation to enable oxygen to reach the lungs and to keep the airways open. Intravenous fluids and blood transfusions can help, when they are needed. Dialysis may be done for kidney failure, and nutrition support may be started.

 

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