Can a fall cause pulmonary edema?

Jul 01, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My grandfather fell down two days ago, and now he has been diagnosed with pleural effusion (lung fluid accumulation). Can a fall cause pleural effusion?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Whether a fall can cause pulmonary edema mainly depends on the severity of the fall and individual factors. 1. Common falls: Generally speaking, minor falls are unlikely to lead to pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema is mainly caused by diseases such as infections (e.g., pneumonia, tuberculosis) and autoimmune diseases. 2. Severe falls: If a fall results in serious chest trauma, such as rib fractures or pleural rupture, these injuries may cause lung damage, leading to pulmonary edema. In such cases, the fluid accumulation may be exudate or blood. 3. Medical advice: Although falls are not a common cause of pulmonary edema, they can lead to it under specific circumstances, such as after severe chest trauma. If there are any concerns or symptoms appear, timely medical examination is recommended. The possibility of pulmonary edema caused by a fall is relatively low, but it can still occur in certain severe situations.