10 Causes of Fluid In The Lungs
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Cause #7: High Altitudes
When a person climbs to places with high altitudes, they can develop what is called high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). HAPE can occur at altitudes of about 8,000-10,000 feet above sea level. Climbers or hikers that have not become acclimated before climbing such a height can have a fluid leak into their lungs due to impaired flow of blood.
This is a life-threatening type of pulmonary edema that can manifest through chest pain, coughing or wheezing, and shortness of breath – a difficult situation to handle especially at extreme heights with no source of emergency medical attention.
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