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Pulmonary edema causes labored breathing primarily due to the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, which obstructs normal gas exchange and can lead to a sensation of breathlessness. In this condition, the lungs become congested with fluid, making it difficult for oxygen to enter the bloodstream effectively. This results in the patient often exhibiting increased respiratory effort as they struggle to breathe, hence the description of labored breathing.

Additionally, labored breathing is characterized by increased work of breathing and may present with the use of accessory muscles, an increase in respiratory rate, and potentially abnormal lung sounds, such as crackles or wheezes, depending on the severity and progression of the pulmonary edema. While other breathing patterns might be observed in different respiratory conditions, labored breathing is most specifically associated with the mechanical obstruction caused by fluid in pulmonary edema.