Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a condition that affects the lungs in people with liver disease. It is caused by the liver's inability to properly filter blood, which can lead to low oxygen levels in the bloodstream.

In HPS, the blood vessels in the lungs dilate, causing blood to be redirected away from areas of the lung where oxygen can be absorbed. This results in a decrease in oxygen levels in the blood and can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue, and other symptoms.

The severity of HPS can vary, and in some cases, the condition can be life-threatening. Treatment options for HPS depend on the severity of the condition and may include supplemental oxygen, medications to improve lung function, and liver transplantation.

It is important for individuals with liver disease to be monitored for the development of HPS, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes. People with liver disease should also take steps to manage their condition and reduce their risk of developing HPS, such as following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and other substances that can damage the liver, and seeking medical care as needed.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome is caused when blood vessels in and around the lungs widen (dilate), which affects the amount of oxygen that moves from the lungs into the bloodstream. What causes this abnormality remains unclear, and it's unknown why some people with liver disease develop hepatopulmonary syndrome while others do not.

Supplemental oxygen therapy is the main treatment for shortness of breath caused by low oxygen levels in the blood. A liver transplant is the only cure for hepatopulmonary syndrome.