Why does pulmonary edema worsen when lymphatic drainage is blocked, causing increased interstitial fluid and alveolar flooding?

💡 Explanation

When lymphatic drainage is blocked, interstitial fluid accumulates, increasing the hydrostatic pressure surrounding pulmonary capillaries. This elevated pressure enhances capillary filtration pressure, driving more fluid into the alveoli and exacerbating edema because it overwhelms the compensatory mechanisms; therefore, increased capillary filtration worsens pulmonary edema rather than lowering hydrostatic pressure or affecting oncotic pressure.

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