Which term refers to fluid accumulation in the alveoli?

• A. Pulmonary Edema
• B. COPD
• C. Chronic Bronchitis
• D. Bronchospasm

Answer: (A)

Fluid accumulation in the alveoli is called pulmonary edema. It happens when fluid leaks from pulmonary capillaries into the alveolar spaces, or when clearance of fluid is overwhelmed, flooding the air sacs where gas exchange occurs. This fluid layer thicken the diffusion barrier and reduces lung compliance, leading to shortness of breath, crackles on auscultation, and often frothy sputum in more severe cases. This condition is distinct from COPD and chronic bronchitis, which involve chronic obstruction and inflammation of the airways rather than fluid filling the alveoli. Bronchospasm involves constriction of airway smooth muscle, causing narrowing of the airways rather than fluid accumulation in the alveolar spaces.