Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious inflammatory lung injury that causes accumulation of fluid in the air sacs of the lungs, preventing the organs of having oxygen. It usually occurs in those who are critically ill or carry some significant injury. also the risk of it increases with the increase in age and severity of illness. It is a life-threatening condition that require to be taken care for immediately. ARDS can also get worse immediately. But it’s usually treatable, and most of the people get recovered out of it. But it requires a fast diagnosis and treatment too.
Symptoms:
- Confusion and extreme tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Bluish skin coloration
- Low blood pressure
Causes:
- Sepsis
- Inhalation of harmful substances
- Severe pneumonia
- Head, chest or other major injury
- Pancreatitis, massive blood transfusions and burns
Diffuse constitutes of the pulmonary system resulting in ARDS usually happens in the setting of critical illness. ARDS may be found in the setting of extreme pulmonary (pneumonia) or systemic infection (sepsis),severe burns, following inhalation injuries, trauma, multiple blood transfusions (TRALI), drug reactions, severe inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), near-drowning or other aspiration events. Few cases of ARDS are connected to huge volumes of fluid used during post-trauma resuscitation.
The underlying mechanism includes diffuse injury to cells which creates a block of the microscopic air sacs of the lungs, surfactant dysfunction, activation of the immune system, and dysfunction of the body’s regulation of blood clotting. As a result, ARDS damages the lungs’ capability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Generally, the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome is done with mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) only. Mechanical ventilation is generally delivered with the help of a hard tube which enters the oral cavity and is secured in the airway (endotracheal intubation), or by tracheotomy when prolonged ventilation (≥2 weeks) is required. The part of non-invasive ventilation is finite to the very early age of the disease or to prevent aggravating respiratory distress in individuals with ling bruising, atypical pneumonias, or major surgery patients, who have a risk of developing ARDS. The treatment of its underlying cause is really important. As soon as the culture results are available, or even if the infection is diagnosed (whichever is earlier), a proper antibiotic therapy is initiated. Empirical therapy may be suitable if local microbiological surveillance is well organized where possible the underlying cause from where the infection originated is removed.
Dr. Satya Ranjan Sahu, one of the best pulmonologist in Delhi, Amar Medical Center who provides one of the finest interstitial lung disease treatments in Amar Medical Center has effectively been treating patients over the years helping them restore their lung related issues in the most effective manners.
An expert pulmonologist like him would ask you some questions where your answers will help him diagnose the cause adequately. Post this only the doctor will recommend medications or other treatments depending upon the person’s analysis around their symptoms and medical conditions.