Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) | Symptoms | Caused | Risk Factors | Treatment
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) | Symptoms | Causes | Risk Factors | Complications | Treatment
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs when Fluid builds up in the tiny, elastic air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. More Fluid in your lungs means less oxygen can reach your bloodstream. This deprives your organs of the oxygen they need to function.
ARDS typically occurs in people who are already critically ill or who have significant injuries. Severe shortness of breath — the main symptom of ARDS — usually develops within a few hours to a few days after the original disease or Trauma.
Many people who develop ARDS don't survive. The risk of death increases with age and severity of illness. Of the people who do survive ARDS, some recover completely while others experience lasting damage to their lungs.
SYMPTOMS
The signs and symptoms of ARDS can vary in intensity, depending on its cause and severity, as well as the presence of underlying heart or lung disease. They include:
Severe shortness of breath
Labored and unusually rapid breathing
Low blood pressure
Confusion and extreme tiredness
CAUSES
The mechanical cause of ARDS is Fluid leaked from the smallest blood vessels in the lungs into the tiny air sacs where blood is oxygenated. Normally, a protective membrane keeps this Fluid in the vessels. Severe illness or injury, however, can cause inflammation that undermines the membrane's integrity, leading to the Fluid leakage of ARDS.
The most common underlying causes of ARDS include:
Sepsis. The most common cause of ARDS is Sepsis, a serious and widespread infection of the bloodstream.
Inhalation of harmful substances. Breathing high concentrations of smoke or chemical fumes can result in ARDS, as can inhaling (aspirating) vomit.
Severe Pneumonia. Severe cases of Pneumonia usually affect all five lobes of the lungs.
Head, chest or other major injury. Accidents, such as falls or car crashes, can directly damage the lungs or the portion of the brain that controls breathing.
RISK FACTORS:
Most people who develop ARDS are already hospitalized for another condition, and many are critically ill. You're especially at risk if you have a widespread infection in your bloodstream (Sepsis).
People who have a history of chronic alcoholism are at higher risk of developing ARDS. They're also more likely to die of ARDS.
COMPLICATIONS
ARDS is extremely serious, but thanks to improved treatments, more people are surviving it. However, many survivors end up with potentially serious — and sometimes lasting — complications, including:
. Scarring in the lungs (Pulmonary fibrosis).
. Blood clots.
. Infections.
. Abnormal lung function.
. Memory, cognitive and emotional problems.
TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS
There's no specific test to identify ARDS. The diagnosis is based on the physical exam, chest X-ray and oxygen levels and by ruling out other diseases and conditions — for example, certain heart problems — that can produce similar symptoms.
Imaging
Chest X-ray. A chest X-ray can reveal which parts of your lungs and how much of the lungs have Fluid in them and whether your heart is enlarged.
Computerized tomography (CT). CT scans can provide detailed information about the structures within the heart and lungs.
Lab tests
A test using blood from an artery in your wrist can measure your oxygen level. Other types of blood tests can check for signs of infection or Anemia. If your doctor suspects that you have a lung infection, secretions from your airway may be tested to determine the cause of the infection.
Heart tests
Because the signs and symptoms of ARDS are similar to those of certain heart problems, your doctor may recommend heart tests such as:
Electrocardiogram. This painless test tracks the electrical activity in your heart. It involves attaching several wired sensors to your body.
Echocardiogram. A sonogram of the heart, this test can reveal problems with the structures and the function of your heart.
TREATMENTS AND DRUGS
The first goal in treating ARDS is to improve the levels of oxygen in your blood. Without oxygen, your organs can't function properly.
Oxygen
To get more oxygen into your bloodstream, your doctor will likely use:
Supplemental oxygen. For milder symptoms or as a temporary measure, oxygen may be delivered through a mask that fits tightly over your nose and mouth.
Mechanical ventilation. Most people with ARDS will need the help of a machine to breathe. A mechanical ventilator pushes air into your lungs and forces some of the Fluid out of the air sacs.
Fluids
Carefully managing the amount of intravenous Fluids is crucial. Too much Fluid can increase Fluid buildup in the lungs. Too little Fluid can put a strain on your heart and other organs and lead to Shock.
Medication
People with ARDS usually are given medication to:
. Prevent and treat infections
. Relieve pain and discomfort
. Prevent clots in the legs and lungs
. Minimize gastric reflux
. Sedate