ARDS or acute respiratory distress syndrome is an ailment where fluid accumulates in the alveoli of the lungs. Alveoli are air sacs, and an accumulation of fluid in them means that less oxygen is sent to the bloodstream. As a result, a sufficient amount of oxygen fails to reach the organs and they cannot function optimally. ARDS invariably occurs in people who are seriously ill or have suffered widespread trauma.
What are the Symptoms of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
Typically, extreme breathlessness develops in a few hours or a few days, after the initial disease/trauma. The commonly seen clinical features of ARDS are:
- Gasping for breath and labored breathing
- Breathing becomes rapid and difficult
- The blood pressure plummets
- Fatigue and weariness are common
- Confusion, disorientation and stupor are seen
What Causes Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
- Sepsis: the primary cause for ARDS is widespread infection of the blood
- Inhaling injurious substances: inhaling smoke, noxious solvents, chemical fumes, etc. is known to trigger ARDS; likewise aspiration of vomit is an important cause
- Severe pneumonia is a significant risk factor
- Injury: car crashes, falls, etc. can damage that part of the brain that controls breathing or may impair the lung tissue, and result in ARDS.
- Chronic alcoholism: is a significant risk factor
Treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Typically, a majority of the people who develop ARDS are already hospitalized. The chief goal of the treatment regimen for ARDS is to augment the level of oxygen in the blood. Measures taken to manage a case of ARDS are:
- Oxygen is administered and is found to be fairly effective for mild symptoms of ARDS.
- Mechanical ventilators are necessary for some people so that they can breathe normally.
- Careful and watchful supervision of the quantity of IV fluids is very crucial. Excessive amounts of fluids will increase the accumulation within the alveoli; on the other hand, insufficient amounts exert a strain on the heart and other organs, triggering shock.
- Drugs are given to ward off and/or treat infections, allay discomfort and pain, reduce gastric reflux and prevent clot formation.
Prognosis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Prognosis for ARDS is rather poor. Most patients with ARDS do not survive. Death usually occurs when the trauma/injury or the disease from which the person is suffering is really severe and the individual is old. Patients who survive, may recover completely, or may suffer lasting lung impairment. Fibrosis, pneumothorax, depression and memory loss are known complications of ARDS.
Reference
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, PubMed Health, Medical Encyclopedia (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001164, accessed on Sept 11, 2011)
Shweta Shah - A practicing homeopath using aromatherapy, yoga, acupressure and diet in patient management
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