Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) causes inflammation in the lungs, which can lead to significant breathing issues. In addition to adults, children can also develop ARDS. Despite a person’s age, comprehensive treatment is necessary to prevent more severe, potentially life-threatening, health effects.
The primary difference of paediatric ARDS is how the condition develops in children. Newborns can sometimes be affected, and in this case, a lack of surfactant in the lungs may be an underlying cause. Made up of proteins and lipids, surfactant is an essential substance when it comes to lung function.
Other causes of ARDS are similar in both kids and adults. These causes include:
Symptoms of ARDS include rapid heart rate, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. These symptoms must be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible when they appear in children.
The effects of ARDS can be severe, so your paediatrician may choose to hospitalize your child and place them on mechanical ventilation. This involves a machine that helps push air into the lungs and facilitates proper breathing function. Other treatments may be used to manage symptoms, such as antibiotics, diuretics, and steroids.
Most children who experience ARDS do make a recovery. However, the process can be slow and it is vital that parents follow instructions provided by their child’s paediatrician to ensure a full recovery.