Fluid in the lungs can go away by itself in some cases if the underlying cause of the fluid in the lungs is minor and treatable.
Larger effusions also known as fluid buildup of fluid in the lungs can be more serious and require medical attention such as drainage such as through use of a chest tube or treatment of the cause that lead to the fluid buildup in the lungs.
If pneumonia is the cause of the fluid buildup in the lungs then you'll likely be prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection which can help the fluid in the lungs go away.
It's important to see a doctor when you think you have fluid buildup in the lungs as some cases can be more serious than others.
To sleep with fluid in your lungs you should elevate your head and your upper body which helps to improve drainage of the fluid and improve breathing.
You should also use multiple pillows or a wedge pillow to help you achieve this sleeping position.
When you have fluid in your lungs you can also sleep in a recliner or adjustable bed.
Elevating your head when you have fluid in your lungs can also help any mucus drain out faster.
The feeling of fluid in your lungs will feel like air hunger or drowning and the fluid in your lungs can also lead to coughing up blood or bloody froth.
When you have fluid in your lungs you could have a condition known as Pulmonary Edema.
Pulmonary edema is a condition in which the lungs fill with fluid.
It's also known as lung congestion, lung water, and pulmonary congestion.
Your lungs can sometime sound clear or almost clear with pneumonia.
When you have pneumonia your lungs will usually produce crackling or bubbling noises.
Crackling or bubbling noises (rales) made by movement of fluid in the tiny air sacs of the lung.
Dull thuds heard when the chest is tapped (percussion dullness), which indicate that there is fluid in a lung or collapse of part of a lung.
Not all cases of pneumonia warrant a trip to the ER.
That is unless the pneumonia gets worse or you're not getting better.
Pneumonia can be life-threatening if left untreated, especially for certain at-risk people.
You should call your doctor if you have a cough that won't go away, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a fever.
You should also call your doctor if you suddenly begin to feel worse after having a cold or the flu.