What Is HELLP Syndrome?
8. Dyspnea
In general, there are many causes of dyspnea, which is a medical term for shortness of breath. Dyspnea can be a symptom of pulmonary edema; however, note that it is not exclusive of this condition. Similarly, pulmonary edema can be caused by several other pathological processes.
The alveoli are tiny air sacs in the lungs that constitute the functional unit of the organ, where gas exchange takes place. Pulmonary edema is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the supporting framework of the alveoli (interstitium) and the alveolar spaces of the lung. This edema, if severe, can be life-threatening because it impairs the exchange of gases by decreasing the diffusion of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Pulmonary edema is rare during pregnancy; however, it can occur as a complication of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.
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