Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARD)

What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe and potentially life-threatening lung condition characterized by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs. This inflammation leads to increased permeability of the tiny air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, causing fluid to leak into the lungs’ airspaces. As a result, oxygen levels in the bloodstream drop, leading to respiratory failure and difficulty breathing.

ARDS is typically triggered by an underlying illness or injury, such as:

1. Sepsis: A severe infection that spreads throughout the body.
2. Pneumonia: Inflammation of the lungs caused by an infection.
3. Trauma: Direct injury to the chest or lungs, such as from a car accident or near-drowning.
4. Aspiration: Inhaling vomit, saliva, or other substances into the lungs.
5. Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to lung complications.
6. Inhalation injury: Breathing in smoke, chemicals, or other harmful substances.
7. Drug overdose: Certain drugs or medications can cause lung injury leading to ARDS.

The hallmark symptoms of ARDS include severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and low oxygen levels in the blood, often requiring mechanical ventilation to support breathing. Other symptoms may include rapid heart rate, confusion, and fatigue.

Treatment for ARDS typically involves supportive care in an intensive care unit (ICU), including mechanical ventilation to assist breathing, oxygen therapy to maintain adequate oxygen levels, and medications to reduce inflammation and manage underlying causes such as infections. In severe cases, therapies such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be used to provide temporary support to the heart and lungs.

Despite advances in medical care, ARDS remains a serious condition with a high mortality rate, particularly in cases of severe lung injury. However, with prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and supportive care, many individuals with ARDS can recover, although recovery may be slow and may involve ongoing rehabilitation.