Acute respiratory distress syndrome, also known as ARDS, is a condition that affects the lungs and respiratory system. ARDS is a medical condition where fluid accumulates in the alveoli (air sacs) within your lungs, resulting in a feeling similar to drowning. When fluid enters your lungs, it makes it so that oxygen can’t get to where it needs to go.
ARDS is a very serious condition that typically only happens in people with a pre-existing injury or illness. Depending on the severity of the acute respiratory distress syndrome – mild, moderate, or severe – there might be so much fluid in your lungs that oxygen gets completely cut off.
Because acute respiratory distress syndrome happens when a patient’s lungs fill with fluid instead of oxygen, many symptoms have to do with your ability to breathe. However, because all the damage is happening internally, it’s important to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of ARDS so that you can seek medical assistance.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome happens when fluid from nearby blood vessels fills the air sacs inside your lungs. These sacs, which typically transport oxygen, tend to fill quickly, resulting in less oxygen getting to vital organs. In a healthy person, membranes and barriers are in place to keep the fluid out of your air sacs. However, these membranes can get damaged if you suffer a serious illness or injury. Here are the people most at risk of developing ARDS.
Sepsis is when an infection travels through your bloodstream and is the most common cause of ARDS.
Covid can cause enough damage to your lungs that it results in ARDS.
Severe cases of pneumonia can damage the membranes in your alveoli and lead to ARDS.
An injury or severe burn can set off a chain reaction of inflammation. This, in turn, can lead to inflammation in the lungs or a nearby organ, resulting in ARDS.
Smoke, asbestos, fumes, and other toxins and chemicals can cause lung damage leading to ARDS.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome can be tricky to diagnose because there isn’t a specialized test for it. Therefore, your doctor will utilize several tests to determine whether or not you have ARDS.
A chest x-ray and CT scan will show if there’s a visible build-up of fluid in your lungs.
An echocardiogram will evaluate your heart to determine if it’s functioning properly. The improper function could indicate ARDS.
A blood test will determine how much oxygen you have in your blood. Low oxygen levels are a symptom of ARDS.
Unfortunately, the outlook for people with ARDS isn’t good, especially when they have a serious form of it. Additionally, because acute respiratory distress syndrome typically accompanies a pre-existing illness or injury, it further complicates matters. However, here are a few treatment options your doctor may utilize.
The first thing that your doctor will do if you have ARDS is increase your oxygen and fluid levels. They will use a nasal cannula or an oxygen mask in mild cases and a ventilator in severe cases. They may also administer an IV to replenish your fluids.
Medications can sedate you and increase your comfort levels if you have ARDS. Medications also help break down blood clots and reduce the risk of infection.
If you recover from ARDS, you’ll often require physical therapy for rehabilitation. Physical therapy also helps resume the normal flow of blood and oxygen to your organs.
While recovering from acute respiratory distress syndrome is possible, quick diagnosis and treatment are essential.