Lung Vessel Abnormality: A Guide to the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
What are Lung Vessels?
Lung vessels or pulmonary vessels are blood vessels supplying and receiving blood from and to the lungs. They are a vital part of the respiratory system, where oxygen is let in and carbon dioxide is expelled. The pulmonary arteries supply deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, while pulmonary veins transport oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
What is Lung Vessel Abnormality?
Lung vessel abnormality is any condition that disrupts the normal physiology of the pulmonary vessels. These abnormalities may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developing later in life). They can present with a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, and may even be fatal if not treated.
Types of Lung Vessel Abnormalities
Pulmonary Artery Hypertension (PAH): An elevation of pulmonary arterial blood pressure that can cause failure of the right heart.
Pulmonary Embolism: Obstruction of one of the pulmonary arteries due to a clot of blood.
Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation (PAVM): Abnormal shunting between pulmonary arteries and veins that can result in bypass of oxygenated blood through the lungs.
Pulmonary Venous Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary veins, usually as a result of left heart disease.
Causes and Risk Factors
Abnormalities in the lung vessels may be caused by a variety of factors, such as:
Genetics
Congenital heart disease
Chronic lung disease
Blood clots
Elevated blood pressure
Heart disease
Some medications
Symptoms
Symptoms of lung vessel abnormality depend upon the condition. Common symptoms are:
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Fatigue
Dizziness
Blue-tinged skin (cyanosis)
Swelling in the legs and ankles
Diagnosis
Diagnosing lung vessel abnormality usually encompasses a combination of:
Medical history
Physical exam
Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans)
Blood tests
Echocardiogram
Pulmonary function tests
Treatment Options
Lung vessel abnormality treatment will depend on the cause and degree of the disease. Treatment might include:
Drugs to help control symptoms and slow the rate of disease development
Oxygen therapy
Thinning of blood to prevent blood clots from forming
Surgeries or embolization for fixing or stopping abnormal vessels
Heart transplant when severe
Living with Lung Vessel Abnormality
Although lung vessel abnormality is a serious illness, there are measures you can take to take care of your symptoms and enhance your way of life. They include:
Following your treatment plan
Being physically active
Keeping your weight healthy
Not smoking
Having regular check-ups with your healthcare provider
