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What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)?
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a serious condition that can cause severe and life-threatening breathing problems. It prevents the body from getting enough oxygen.
ARDS is a lung disorder in which fluid builds up in the small air sacs of the lungs, reducing the levels of oxygen in the blood and affecting the function of the organs. Most cases of ARDS occur in hospitalized individuals.
This is a life-threatening medical condition caused by sepsis, pneumonia, the coronavirus (COVID-19), and other factors. Although some ARDS patients recover, the chance of mortality increases with age and the severity of the underlying cause.
Symptoms of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
The symptoms of ARDS include:
- Shortness of breath is often the most prominent symptom.
- Rapid, difficult breathing may become fast and brutal.
- b (Hypoxemia) can lead to the bluish colouration of the skin and lips (cyanosis). Low blood oxygen levels
- Confusion or lethargy due to low oxygen levels in the blood.
- Cough with frothy sputum.
- Low blood pressure occur in severe cases.
- Chest discomfort: Pain or tightness in the chest.
- These symptoms typically appear within a few hours to a few days after the lung injury or illness that causes ARDS.
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Get A Second OpinionCauses of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
ARDS can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Pneumonia : Especially severe cases caused by bacteria or viruses.
- Sepsis : Overwhelming infection leading to widespread inflammation.
- Trauma : Direct injury to the lungs, such as from trauma or aspiration.
- Pancreatitis : Severe inflammation of the pancreas can lead to lung complications.
- Inhalation Injury : Exposure to harmful chemicals or smoke.
- Near Drowning : Submersion in water leads to aspiration of fluid.
- Drug Overdose : Some drugs can directly injure the lungs.
- Others : Less common causes include severe burns or transfusion-related injuries.
ARDS involves a complex cascade of inflammation and injury to the lungs, ultimately leading to impaired gas exchange and severe respiratory failure.
Understanding the Contagiousness of ARDS
ARDS is a lung disorder that can affect both men and women. It is not contagious and can not be passed from one person to another.
This condition is not an inherited disease. However, ARDS is a byproduct of lung damage and can affect people of any age.
Can ARDS be Cured?
There is no cure for ARDS at this time. However, with treatment, the patient can recover and heal from the lung problems and remove the injury that caused ARDS to develop.
Treatments for Those Who Have ARDS
- Oxygen : The doctor will use supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. Most people with ARDS will need a machine to breathe.
- Fluids : The amount of intravenous fluids is carefully managed because too much fluid can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, and too little fluid can strain the heart and other organs, leading to shock.
- Medication : ARDS patients are usually given medication to prevent and treat infections, relieve pain and suffering, reduce gastric reflux, and avoid blood clots in the lungs.
Lifestyle changes after ARDS treatment
By adopting a few changes in life, one can improve lung health. Although these changes may not directly affect healing capabilities, they can provide the lungs with the opportunity to recover.
Here are some tips to enhance your lifestyle following ARDS:
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Book an Appointment- Take deep breaths : Even 2-5 minutes of deep breathing exercises can help you regain the correct mechanics of breathing, improve your lung capacity, and reduce fatigue.
- Physiotherapy : Physiotherapy treatments, such as diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation breathing exercises, will be given based on the severity and duration of the ARDS.
- Stop smoking : ARDS already reduces the oxygenation of the different organs in your body. Chronic smoking can further deteriorate the lung condition.
- Reduce exposure to pollutants : After ARDS, the lungs become more vulnerable to infection. Reduce pollutant exposure by avoiding secondhand smoke and reducing pollutant levels in the home by dusting and deep cleaning daily.
- Reduce the risk of infection : After a respiratory infection, the lungs are vulnerable and can develop severe consequences. To avoid respiratory tract infections, wash your hands frequently with soap and water and avoid touching your eyes or face.
- Get flu shots on time : The vaccinations can help to reduce the impact of infections on the lungs.
- Staying hydrated : Drinking sufficient water may not improve your lung functions directly, but it can protect your lungs during the recovery period.
- Eating healthy : While recovering from the condition, you have to take precautions with the diet. As you recover from ARDS, a diet high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods can be especially beneficial to lung function.
Conclusion
Incorporate these changes in your life to help your lungs heal faster. Concentrating on these activities can improve your lung functions. As the lungs recover from ARDS, they will become more prone to infections and other disorders.
The road to recovery from ARDS can be challenging, and you'll need plenty of support. If you have respiratory difficulties such as shortness of breath, pain while deep breathing, coughing, fever, or chest pain, seek medical help immediately. Let’s marathon the recovery from ARDS together!
Frequently Asked Questions
Rapidly spreading lung inflammation that results in low blood oxygen levels and breathing difficulties is the hallmark of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a severe lung illness.
ARDS is often classified into three stages based on severity:
- Mild ARDS : Oxygen levels are mildly reduced, and breathing is slightly faster.
- Moderate ARDS : Oxygen levels are moderately reduced, and breathing becomes more difficult.
- Severe ARDS : Oxygen levels are severely low, requiring mechanical ventilation (breathing support).
ARDS causes inflammation in the lungs' tiny air sacs (alveoli) and the surrounding tissues. This inflammation leads to fluid buildup and the formation of fibrous tissue, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the bloodstream.
In severe cases, ARDS can be life-threatening, especially if not promptly treated or if complications such as multi-organ failure develop.
ARDS is a syndrome characterized by widespread inflammation and damage to the lungs' alveoli, leading to severe respiratory distress. The infection known as pneumonia mostly damages the air sacs and lung tissue.
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