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ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome) Causes and Risks:
ARDS is a medical emergency. It may be caused by a variety of conditions that directly or indirectly cause the blood vessels to "leak" fluid into the lungs. The ability of the lungs to expand is severely decreased and damage to the air sacs and lining (endothelium) of the lung is extensive. Blood concentration of oxygen remains very low in spite of high concentrations of supplemental oxygen given to the patient. Systemic causes of lung injury include trauma, head injury , shock , sepsis , multiple blood transfusions, and medications. Pulmonary causes include pulmonary embolism , severe pneumonia , smoke inhalation, radiation, high altitude, near drowning , and more. Symptoms usually develop within 24 to 48 hours of the injury or illness. Cigarette smoking may be a risk factor. The incidence is 1 out of 100,000 people.
Prevention:
No measures to prevent ARDS are presently known.
Symptoms:
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and Tests:
Chest auscultation (examination with a stethoscope) reveals abnormal breath sounds .
Tests used in the diagnosis of ARDS include:
Treatment:
The objective of treatment is to provide compensation for the severe dysfunction of the respiratory system and treat the underlying cause of the lung injury.
Oxygen is used to treat hypoxia , often at high concentrations (100% oxygen concentration may be needed).
Intubation, passing a tube through the nose or the mouth into the trachea (airway), is often necessary. Mechanical ventilation or a respirator (a machine used to aid the breathing) is usually necessary for further support of the respiratory system. This treatment is continued until gradual weaning from the mechanism is tolerated.
Medications may be indicated to treat infections, reduce inflammation, and eliminate fluid within the lungs.
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining support groups where members share common experiences and problems. See lung disease - support group .
Prognosis:
The death rate exceeds 50%. Although survivors usually recover normal lung function , some individuals may suffer permanent lung damage, which can range from mild to severe.
Complications:
- multiple organ system failures
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
If breathing difficulty or other symptoms of ARDS develop call the local emergency number (such as 911) or go to the emergency room.
This is an illustration of the major features of the lungs and bronchial tree. The inset is of the alveoli. They are the microscopic blood vessel-lined sacks in which oxygen and carbon dioxide gas are exchanged.
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