Liquid lung is a rare but serious complication that can occur in children who accidentally inhale fluid into the lungs. The fluid can cause inflammation and failure of lung function, which can be life-threatening. According to a 2019 study, about 1,400 children died of liquid lung in the United States between 2000 and 2015, a rate of 0.12 per 100,000 children. However, the global mortality rate is much higher, estimated at 7.6 per 100,000 children. Most deaths from liquid lung occur in low- and middle-income countries where medical care and prevention are inadequate.
US authorities are now reporting a significant increase in cases. The reason: increasing antibiotic resistance, reports augenauf.blog.
White lung syndrome, also known as liquid lung or wet lung, is a life-threatening disease characterized by severe pneumonia with bilateral lung lesions. The lungs appear white on X-rays or CT scans because they are filled with fluid leaking from the damaged alveoli and capillaries. This leads to a lack of oxygen in the blood and causes shortness of breath, cyanosis, sweating, palpitations and cognitive confusion.
In addition to China, other countries are also affected by white lung syndrome. Several outbreaks have been reported in the United States, particularly in the states of New York, California and Florida.
White lung syndrome can be caused by various causes, such as bacterial infections, seizures, aspiration pneumonia, mycoplasma pneumonia or chest trauma. It may also be a result of infection with the COVID-19 virus, which has led to a sharp increase in confirmed cases in China since December 2022. Older people and patients with previous illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, kidney transplant, liver transplant or autoimmune diseases are particularly at risk.
White lung syndrome is diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and imaging studies of the lungs. This shows increased hilifugal stripes and possibly mild pleural effusions. Therapy consists of giving oxygen and care in an incubator. In severe cases, artificial ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be required.
White lung syndrome is a serious complication that can lead to multi-organ failure and death. The prognosis depends on the severity of the disease, age and the presence of concomitant diseases. The mortality rate is between 30 and 60 percent.
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