Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is defined as a condition in which the lungs could not deliver sufficient oxygen to the vital bodily organs.
It is generally a complication of a serious health condition. In most cases, one is hospitalized by the time ARDS develops.
What are the signs?
Generally, the indications of acute respiratory distress syndrome include:
- Severe shortness of breath
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Drowsiness, tiredness or confusion
- Feeling faint
Acute respiratory distress syndrome develops once the lungs are significantly inflamed from an infection or from injuries.
When to seek medical attention
Even though most who develop acute respiratory distress syndrome are already hospitalized, this is not always the case. It can manifest abruptly from an infection such as pneumonia or if the individual accidentally inhales his/her vomit.
What are the causes?
Acute respiratory distress syndrome develops once the lungs are significantly inflamed from an infection or from injuries. The inflammation triggers the leakage of fluid from the adjacent blood vessels into the miniature air sacs in the lungs, causing breathing to become difficult.
The following can cause the lungs to become inflamed:
- Severe case of flu or pneumonia
- Severe chest injuries
- Blood poisoning
- Near drowning
- Accidental inhalation of smoke, vomit or toxic chemicals
- Adverse reaction to a blood transfusion
- Acute pancreatitis
Management of acute respiratory distress syndrome
If an individual develops acute respiratory distress syndrome, he/she might be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and a ventilator is used to assist with breathing.
This involves breathing via a mask that is attached to the device. In severe instances, a breathing tube is inserted down the throat and into the lungs.
Nutrients and fluids are also provided via a feeding tube through the nose and into the stomach.
The underlying cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome must be treated. Antibiotics are given if a bacterial infection is the cause.