Final answer:
Pulmonary edema involves fluid accumulation in the lungs and is classified into cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic types, each with different underlying causes. Immediate medical attention is critical due to the possible life-threatening consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of excess fluid in the lungs, which can be classified according to the location where the fluid accumulates. The two main types are cardiogenic pulmonary edema and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. In cardiogenic pulmonary edema, excess fluid accumulates primarily due to heart failure, specifically when the left ventricle cannot pump blood efficiently, leading to increased pressure in the pulmonary capillaries and the leaking of fluid into air sacs. On the other hand, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema can be a result of various factors like infection, kidney failure, inhaled toxins, or an allergic reaction, and does not involve failure of the heart.
Those experiencing symptoms, which can include difficulty breathing and chest pain, should seek immediate medical attention due to the potential for life-threatening complications from compromised gas exchange.