What is a common sign of pulmonary edema?

A common sign of pulmonary edema is difficulty breathing, which occurs because fluid accumulates in the lungs, making it challenging for the individual to take in enough air. This condition disrupts the normal gas exchange process, causing a feeling of shortness of breath or respiratory distress. In some cases, patients may exhibit an increased respiratory rate or work harder to breathe, often leading to a sensation of suffocation.

While other symptoms like persistent coughing can occur in various respiratory conditions, they are not as definitive in the diagnosis of pulmonary edema as difficulty breathing. Additionally, sudden paralysis is typically associated with neurological events, and a rapid heartbeat may arise from a stressful response to the distress caused by pulmonary issues but is not a primary indicator of pulmonary edema itself.