Pulmonary edema is characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs due to imbalances in hydrostatic and oncotic pressures, often resulting from underlying cardiac or non-cardiac conditions. It affects 1-2% of the general population, with increasing incidence in older age groups, and can be categorized into cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic types based on etiology. Diagnosis involves assessing clinical symptoms, imaging studies, and differential diagnoses, while treatment focuses on managing oxygenation, preload, and any complicating conditions.