Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious inflammatory condition that is characterized by a drastic drop in the level of oxygen in the blood or hypoxemia. This lung condition can lead to various serious issues. As a life-threatening condition, immediate medical attention is vital.
Causes
- The common cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome is sepsis which is a blood infection.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol can increase the risk for ARDS due to sepsis.
- The aspiration of the stomach contents into the lungs is considered as a risk factor among hospitalized individuals who have tube insertions into the lungs.
- Acute pancreatitis and massive blood transfusion is a risk factor for developing ARDS.
- Community-acquired pneumonia
- Tissue injury and severe trauma
In some cases, chest pain and cough might be present. If the condition is due to an infection such as sepsis, the symptoms of infection might be present as well. - Overdose on illegal drugs such as opioids, cocaine and tricyclic antidepressants
Symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Rapid breathing
- Sudden breathlessness
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
These symptoms are due to the build-up of fluids within the alveoli of the lungs. In some cases, chest pain and cough might be present. If the condition is due to an infection such as sepsis, the symptoms of infection might be present as well.
Testing for ARDS
Once the doctor suspects ARDS, a chest X-ray is requested to check for fluids that are composed of cell debris that fills up the alveoli. These are known as lung infiltrates and if present, they affect the capability of the lungs to collect and distribute oxygen to the cells. After some time, the lungs stiffen which leads to severe shortness of breath. In some cases, a CT scan can also reveal the presence of lung infiltrates.
Complications from ARDS
Always bear in mind that the complications of ARDS can be life-threatening where some can put an individual in an intensive care unit. The common complications include the following:
- Infections that were acquired in the healthcare facility, linked to ventilator use or presence of a central venous catheter.
- Deep vein thrombosis from a prolonged stay in the hospital
- Pneumothorax or lung collapse due to the pressure applied by a ventilator on the lungs
- Scarred lungs
Treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome
If an individual has acute respiratory distress syndrome, supportive care with mechanical ventilation is the usual form of treatment. Drug therapy has not been shown to improve the survival in ARDS.
Outlook
Even though ARDS can be life-threatening, proper care and improved ventilation treatments make it less dangerous. Many individuals with ARDS can survive at the present than in the previous years.
Many individuals can be weaned off the ventilator once the blood oxygen level and lung function improves. Some individuals who have low blood oxygen levels have to stay on a ventilator for an extended period of time.
Some individuals who survive can recover completely. In some cases, they develop chronic lung issues and might tire easily for the years to come. They also end up with anxiety and depression. Many individuals however can resume work.