Pulmonary oedema gives symptoms of its onset in constant rattling noises proceeding from the lungs and air passages of the affected person, whose face becomes gradually more livid, and who experiences great difficulty in breathing. The oedema may be accompanied by collection of fluid in the pleural cavities (hydrothorax), and if not relieved the person dies, literally drowned in the fluids of his own body.
Occurs in people with heart failure and also during Bright's disease following dropsy in other parts of the body.