Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Edema

Risk factors:

(1) extreme sport or other strenuous exertion

(2) history of exercise-induced pulmonary edema

Clinical features may include:

(1) dyspnea

(2) hemoptysis

(3) cough with frothy sputum

The interstitial or intra-alveolar fluid may be evidence on ultrasound or imaging studies that show an increase in extravascular water in the lungs.

The condition can overlap with:

(1) swimming-induced (immersion) pulmonary edema, especially after strenuous effort.

(2) high-altitude pulmonary edema, since climbing requires exertion

Differential diagnosis:

(1) exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage

(2) pulmonary edema from other cause, such as worsening of heart failure