Acute chest syndrome is a painful and dangerous condition of the chest that refers to various symptoms. While acute chest syndrome can occur differently in everyone, it always starts as a result of sickle cell anaemia, which is a genetic blood disorder. Once you have it, acute chest syndrome typically causes pain, fever, pneumonia, coughing, reduced oxygen in the blood, and more.
Because of how dangerous and painful acute chest syndrome is, it’s the number one reason for death, hospitalization, and complications in people with sickle cell disease. As such, it’s important to seek treatment as quickly as possible if you have acute chest syndrome.
One of the first courses of treatment for acute chest syndrome is to use an incentive spirometer. These devices make it easier to take full, deep breaths, which is important because acute chest syndrome often causes shortness of breath and low oxygen. An incentive spirometer can also protect against collapsed lungs.
One of the complications of sickle cell disease is that it causes a shortage in red blood cells. This can lead to additional complications and factor into acute chest syndrome. Therefore, you might need a blood transfusion to replace your missing red blood cells. Blood transfusions also increase your haemoglobin count and decrease your sickle haemoglobin.
When your acute chest syndrome gets out of hand, and you are unable to inhale enough oxygen on your own, you will require supplemental oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy can be administered through a nasal cannula or with an oxygen mask.
A serious side effect of acute chest syndrome is dehydration. Dehydration occurs because of inadequate red blood cells as well as because it becomes difficult to drink fluids when you have acute chest syndrome. IV fluids are then used to keep you hydrated and to help restore your health.
In addition to other treatments, medications are also a recommended course of treatment for people with acute chest syndrome. There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat different aspects of acute chest syndrome.
In many instances, acute chest syndrome leads to a dangerous infection, especially in children. Therefore, antibiotics, such as cephalosporin, are often prescribed to treat and reduce the risk of infection.
As with a bacterial infection, acute chest syndrome often leads to or puts you at high risk of a viral infection. Therefore, antivirals, such as intravenous acyclovir, are often prescribed if you contract a respiratory infection.
Many of the symptoms associated with acute chest syndrome are very painful and debilitating. As a result, you may require prescription or over-the-counter pain medications to cope with your pain. In children, ketorolac is often the medication of choice because it has limited side effects. For adults, acetaminophen, NSAIDS, and opioids, such as morphine, can help reduce pain and increase comfort.
If you have underlying asthma or a pulmonary disorder in conjunction with your acute chest syndrome, you may require bronchodilators, such as theophylline or albuterol. Bronchodilators widen your airways and relax the muscles in your lungs, which makes it easier to breathe. This is important if you’re having trouble breathing with acute chest syndrome.
Because acute chest syndrome is a complication of sickle cell disease, it is crucial to be on the lookout for it if you have this disease. If you contract it, you can mitigate the symptoms and potential death it causes by starting treatment immediately.