Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments  of this condition. Additionally, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a serious lung condition. It occurs when fluid fills the air sacs in the lungs . Too much fluid in your lungs reduces the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream. Acute  Respiratory Difficulty Syndrome  prevents your organs from getting the oxygen they need to function and eventually can cause organ failure. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome  usually affects hospitalized people who are very sick.

It can also be caused by severe trauma. Symptoms usually occur within a day or two of the original illness or trauma, and they can include extreme shortness of breath and gasping for air. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome is  a potentially fatal condition.

Causes of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Acute  Respiratory  Distress Syndrome is mainly caused by damage to the tiny blood vessels in your lungs . Fluid from these vessels escapes into the air sacs in your lungs. These air sacs are where your blood is oxygenated. When these air sacs build up with fluid, less oxygen makes it to your blood. Some common things that can lead to this type of lung damage include:

  • Inhaling toxic substances such as salt water, chemicals, smoke, and vomit
  • Develop a serious blood infection
  • Developing a serious infection of the lungs , such as pneumonia
  • Getting a chest or head injury, such as during a car accident or contact sports
  • Overdose in sedatives or tricyclic antidepressants

Symptoms of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome:  Symptoms of  Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome  usually appear between one to three days after the injury or trauma. Common symptoms and signs of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome  include:

  • Tired and fast breathing
  • Muscle fatigue and general weakness
  • Fever
  • low blood pressure
  • Discolored skin or nails
  • Dry, cutting cough
  • A fast pulse rate
  • Mental confusion
  • Headaches

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Risk Factors: Acute  Respiratory  Distress Syndrome  is usually a complication of another condition. People who are more likely to develop Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome  include:

Acute Respiratory Difficulty Syndrome can be a more serious condition for people who:

  • have toxic shock
  • are older
  • have liver failure
  • Has a history of alcoholism

Diagnosis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome:  If you suspect that someone you know has Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome,  early diagnosis can help them survive the condition. A doctor can diagnose Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome  in several different ways. There is no definitive test to diagnose this condition. Your doctor may take your blood pressure, perform a physical exam, and do any of the following:

  • a blood test
  • A chest X-ray
  • a CT scan
  • Throat and nose swabs
  • an electrocardiogram
  • an echocardiogram
  • An airway exam

Low blood pressure and low blood oxygen can make your doctor suspect Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome . An electrocardiogram and echocardiogram can be used to rule out a heart condition. If a chest X-ray or CT scan reveals fluid-filled air sacs in the lungs , a diagnosis for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome  is confirmed. A lung biopsy may also be performed to confirm a diagnosis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome .

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Treatments:  The main goal of treatment with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome  is to provide you with enough oxygen to prevent organ failure. Your doctor may give you oxygen by mask. A mechanical ventilation machine can also be used to force air into your lungs  and reduce fluid in your air sacs. Treatments for  Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome include:

Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP): Your doctor can help your breathing with a technique known as positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). PEEP helps to control the pressure in the lungs . Elevated PEEP can help increase lung function and decrease lung damage when using a ventilator.

Fluid Management:  Management of fluid intake is another treatment strategy for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome . This can help ensure you have proper fluid balance. Too much fluid in the body can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs . However, too little fluid can cause the organs and heart to become strained.

Medication:  People with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome  are often given medication to deal with side effects. These include the following types of medications:

  • Pain medication can relieve discomfort.
  • Antibiotics can treat an infection.
  • Corticosteroids can treat an infection.
  • Blood thinners can be used to prevent clots from forming in the lungs  or legs.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation:  People recovering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome  may need pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a way to strengthen the respiratory system and increase lung capacity. These programs may include exercise training, lifestyle classes, and support teams to help you recover from  Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome .

Prevention of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome:  There is no way to prevent Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome  completely. However, you can reduce your risk of  Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome  by doing the following:

  • Seek immediate medical assistance for any trauma, infection or illness.
  • Stop smoking cigarettes and stay away from secondhand smoke.
  • Give up alcohol . Chronic alcohol use can increase your risk of mortality and prevent adequate lung function.
  • Get a flu shot every year and a pneumonia shot every five years. This lowers the risk of lung infections.

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