Symptoms Of Hypervolemia

Shortness Of Breath

Edema caused by hypervolemia can also affect the lungs and is called pulmonary edema. It results when the fluid starts backing up into the lungs and collecting in the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. When this symptom manifests, the patient has shortness of breath even when lying flat on their back. Indeed, the symptoms worsen when the patient lies down, and they may feel like they are drowning or suffocating and start to panic. Patients may also wake up gasping for air and may need to pile pillows at the head of their bed to sleep comfortably.