Why do lungs have to be moist

Adaptations of the alveoli: Large surface area - many alveoli are present in the lungs with a shape that further increases surface area. Thin walls - alveolar walls are one cell thick providing gases with a short diffusion distance. Moist walls - gases dissolve in the moisture helping them to pass across the gas exchange surface. Permeable walls - allow gases to pass through.

Located inside the airways are glands that produce a sticky fluid called mucus. Mucus coats the airways and traps dirt and germs found in the airways. Tiny broom-like structures cilia clear the dirty mucus from the airways. These sweep the mucus up toward the throat where it can be spit out or swallowed. If the air we breathe in is too dry, it can damage the tiny air sacs in our lungs.

Therefore, the air must be made moist. This is done by absorbing water from the airways. The moisture in the airways comes from food and drink. In order to breathe air into our lungs, we rely on several muscles.

The diaphragm is the most important muscle. This is a large, dome-shaped muscle located between the chest and the abdomen. When you breathe air into your lungs, it enters ducts that deliver it to the alveoli. Oxygen passes through small blood vessels in the alveoli and into the bloodstream. From there, oxygen is transported to your heart, liver, kidneys, brain, and other organs. When alveoli are compromised, fluid such as pus or blood can build up in the sacs, making it hard for the lungs to fill with air.

This interferes with the transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. Many different conditions and illnesses can lead to wet lung.

These may include:. Some people are more at risk of developing ARDS, or conditions that lead to it, than others. Risk factors include:. Alcohol use: Excessive alcohol use or abuse has been linked to an increased risk of sepsis, a leading cause of ARDS.

In addition:. Lung conditions or tobacco use: There are a number of diseases and conditions that can damage lung function and create an environment that encourages ARDS to develop.

Pneumonia is one example. Smoking can also cause damage to the alveoli that makes it hard for your lungs to clear fluid. Blood vessel inflammation: Also called vasculitis , inflammation in the arteries, veins, or capillaries can happen anywhere in the body, including the lungs.

This can narrow the capillaries in the lungs and make oxygen transfer more difficult. Environmental factors: Long-term exposure to toxic chemicals or pollution can cause lung damage that builds up over time.

But sudden exposures to dangerous chemical fumes or toxic combinations, like bleach and ammonia can damage the lungs quickly and cause ARDS. Lung surgery: Wet lung is a complication of certain types of lung surgeries, like a lung resection when part of the lung is removed. Age: As you get older, both lung function and immune response can weaken.

This can make it harder to fight off infections that could lead to ARDS. Chemotherapy: ARDS has been linked to chemotherapy in some patients with widespread cancer in the lungs. Wet lung develops when lungs are damaged by injury or certain illnesses. This can cause fluid to leak into the lungs and take up space where air should be. When oxygen levels drop, organs like the heart and brain may not get the oxygen they need.

Certain factors increase your risk, including lung disease, chemotherapy, and alcohol use. There is no specific test for ARDS. Instead, your healthcare provider will make a diagnosis based on medical history, a physical exam, and the results of imaging or other tests that can rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms.

Your healthcare provider will ask you about any medical conditions and circumstances that could increase your risk for ARDS. Your healthcare provider will also ask you about your symptoms and whether you have an existing heart or lung condition. They will listen to your lungs to check for unusual breathing sounds or problems with air movement. They will also examine the skin and lips for a bluish tint, and look for signs of body swelling or fluid.

Your oxygen level and blood pressure will be measured. Pulse oximetry is used to assess your blood oxygen levels. A sensor is attached to the skin or placed on your hand or foot, and a reading appears on a monitor in a few seconds. Your healthcare provider will also request blood work to determine oxygen levels using samples taken from an artery usually in the wrist.

Low levels of oxygen in the blood is a sign of ARDS. Your healthcare provider may also check your blood for signs of infection, or heart and kidney problems. Fluid accumulation in the lungs or heart enlargement can spotted using imaging studies. X-rays and computerized tomography CT scans may be considered, though CT scans can offer more detailed information about heart and lung structures. Fluid in the air sacs of the lungs can confirm ARDS. An echocardiogram or electrocardiogram , both heart function tests, can rule out heart conditions that mimic ARDS.

A lung biopsy may be done to help rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. This involves taking a sample of tissue from the lung and having it examined under a microscope. If your healthcare provider suspects wet lung, they'll perform a series of tests to check the levels of oxygen in your blood, rule out other conditions, and confirm the diagnosis. Prompt treatment can decrease your risk of organ failure and help increase your odds of survival.

There is no cure for wet lung. Instead, the condition is treated by managing symptoms. Key goals of treatment include improving blood oxygen levels to prevent organ damage and treating the injury or condition that caused the condition to develop. Treatment is different for each person, and can include breathing support, medications, or other therapies. Depending on the seriousness of your case, your body may need extra support to breathe or to improve oxygen flow.

Milder cases may only require supplemental oxygen delivered through a mask that fits over the nose and mouth.