water in lungs

[X_2]

I am 52. About 4 months ago, I suddenly developed a breathing problem plus coughing on lying condition. It was normal in sitting position though. So I had to sleep in sitting position. Doctors described it as accumulation of water/fluid in my lungs. They also noticed water in my ankles. I became alright in 10 days after having some pills accelerating urination culminating into ousting water out of the lungs. But the problem persists as I grow the same problem after 15-20 days and I have dry coughing. What could be  the possible cause?

[Jenn12546]

The echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It can roughly estimate how well the heart is functioning and also diagnose structural problems with the valves, such as leaking. If the valves don't close all of the way, then the blood isn't pumped through as effeciently. This can affect heart function. The doctor will look at all of the ventricles and atria to see if there is any thickening or if they are working correctly, If the values are low, then the heart isn't pumping as well as it should and that could explain why fluid backs up in the system causing fluid retention in the legs and fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
I hope this helps,
Jenn

[X_2]

Thanks a lot Jenn. That was in deed helpful. The doc did advise me the echo test plus ECG. The ECG is alright but haven't yet been to echo. I'll certainly get it done soon but in the meanwhile could you kindly explain to me as to how that test works and how it turns up negatively or positively etc.
Once again thank you for laboring that much for me :)

[Jenn12546]

Did the doctors order any other tests such as an echocardiogram to check your heart function? To me, it sounds like you have fluid overload perhaps from a weakened heart. I am not a doctor, so please take what I say with a grain of salt. I am merely speculating from what you have written. You should really ask your doctor about any diagnostic tests and why you are on medications etc...

The pills you were/are on are diuretics, such as Lasix or furosemide. There are other stronger ones but that one is very commonly given. It does work though, the bathroom soon becomes your best friend.
If you find that you are still retaining quite a bit of fluid, then your medications probably need to be tweaked a bit. Does the doctor ask you to weigh yourself every other day? I ask that because with retention, it is important to know if you are suddenly retaining more than usual, which would show up on a scale.

If you haven't had any other testing done, you really should push for some, especially an echocardiogram. From there, other tests can be ordered but that one seems really important, also maybe an xray of your chest wouldn't hurt if it wasn't done.

I would write all of your questions down and bring them with you to your doctor's office, that way you won't forget anything. I do that, it helps tremendously as I used to forget something crucial everytime I had an important visit with my doctor. Drove me and my doc nuts.

I hope you get answers from your doc, sounds like you need to have a really detailed discussion with him. Don't be afraid to press for answers, treatment options, etc...

Good luck,
Jenn