Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Many disorders could lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is a very serious condition and requires immediate management.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) results from the accumulation of fluid in the alveoli (small elastic air sacs in the lungs), and that prevents the lungs from filling up with air as they should, which, in turn, decreases the oxygen that’s delivered to the bloodstream, and that could lead to life-threatening complications.

ARDS progresses in stages depending on the level of inflammation and how much fluid is in the alveoli.

Causes of acute respiratory distress syndrome

• The most common cause of ARDS is sepsis.
• Injuries and traumas in the chest or head.
• COVID-19.
• Severe pneumonia.
• Severe burns.
• Pancreatitis.
• Transferring huge amounts of blood in a short time.
• Breathing harmful substances.
• Drowning or near-drowning.
• Drug overdose.
• Smoking and substance use disorder increase the risk of acute respiratory distress disease.

Symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome

Symptoms of ARDS might vary depending on the cause, and they generally include:

• Severe shortness of breath.
• Breathing becomes fast and labored.
• Chest discomfort.
• Cough.
• Increased heartbeat.
• The fingernails might become blue-colored.
• Confusion.
• Fatigue.

Complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome

• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung), which means that the air has penetrated through a tiny hole on the surface of the lung. This probably occurs due to the pressure applied by the ventilator (breathing machine).
• Pulmonary fibrosis (scarred and damaged lungs).
• Blood clots.
• Infections.
• Ulcers due to stress.
• Permanent breathing problems.
• Muscle weakness.
• Multiple organ failure.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Anxiety and depression.
• Delirium and memory problems.

Diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome

• Physical exam.
• Imaging tests.
• Measuring the oxygen in the blood.

Treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome

• Oxygen.
• Medications.
• Lung transplant in certain cases.