What is the condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs?

The condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs is pulmonary edema. This condition occurs when the small blood vessels in the lungs become blocked or damaged, causing fluid to leak into the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs. This buildup of fluid impairs the lungs' ability to oxygenate blood effectively, resulting in symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

While congestive heart failure is closely related and can lead to pulmonary edema, it is not solely defined by fluid accumulation in the lungs; rather, it refers to the heart's inability to pump blood effectively, which can result in fluid buildup in various parts of the body, including the lungs. Cardiac arrest refers to the sudden cessation of heart function, and asthma is a condition that involves an inflammation of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing, but does not directly cause fluid accumulation in the lungs. Therefore, pulmonary edema is the most direct answer to the condition involving fluid in the lungs.