Seek emergency medical care immediately if you have severe shortness of breath, chest pain, blue lips, confusion, or low oxygen
Call a doctor right away if you think you have fluid in your lungs
Get evaluated to find the cause, such as heart failure, infection, kidney problems, or lung disease
Follow prescribed treatment exactly as directed
Take diuretics if prescribed to help remove excess fluid
Use oxygen therapy if prescribed
Treat the underlying cause with the appropriate medications
Reduce salt intake if your clinician recommends it
Limit fluids only if your clinician tells you to
Sit upright or sleep with your head elevated if breathing is difficult
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
Go to the hospital for urgent treatment if symptoms worsen or do not improve
Do not try to drain fluid from your lungs yourself