Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Acute respiratory distress syndrome occurs when fluid builds up in the tiny elastic air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs. The fluid prevents the lungs from filling enough air, which means less oxygen reaches the bloodstream. This deprives the organs of the oxygen they need to function.

Normally the acute respiratory distress syndrome it occurs in people who are already seriously ill or have serious injuries. Severe shortness of breath (the main symptom of acute respiratory distress syndrome ) typically appears hours to days after the triggering injury or infection.

Many people who develop the acute respiratory distress syndrome they do not survive. The risk of death increases with age and the severity of the disease. Among people with acute respiratory distress syndrome who survive, some make a full recovery while others have lasting damage to their lungs.

The signs and symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome they can vary in intensity depending on the cause, severity, and whether there is underlying heart or lung disease. For example:

Severe shortness of breath Labored and unusually rapid breathing Low blood pressure Confusion and extreme fatigue

He acute respiratory distress syndrome it appears after a serious illness or injury and most of those affected are already hospitalized.

There is no specific test to identify the acute respiratory distress syndrome . Diagnosis is made based on a physical exam, chest X-ray, and oxygen levels. It’s also important to rule out other diseases and conditions, such as certain heart problems, that can cause similar symptoms.

Pulmonary radiography.

A chest X-ray can reveal which parts of the lungs contain fluid and how much, and whether the heart is enlarged.

CT.

Nail

computed tomography

combines x-ray images taken from different angles into cross-sectional views of internal organs. THE

CT scans

They can provide detailed information about the internal structures of the heart and lungs.

The oxygen level can be measured using a blood test from an artery in the wrist. Other types of blood tests may be used to check for signs of infection or anemia. If the doctor suspects a lung infection, airway secretions can be tested to determine the cause of the infection.

Because the signs and symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome are similar to some heart problems, your doctor may recommend that you have heart tests, such as the following:

Electrocardiogram.

This test is painless and monitors the electrical activity of the heart. This involves attaching various wired sensors to the body.

Echocardiogram.

It’s an ultrasound of the heart. This test can reveal problems in the structures and function of the heart.

The primary goal of treatment acute respiratory distress syndrome is to improve blood oxygen levels. Without oxygen, organs cannot function properly.

To get more oxygen into your bloodstream, your doctor will likely use the following:

additional oxygen.

For milder symptoms or as a temporary measure, oxygen can be administered through a mask that fits tightly around the nose and mouth.

Mechanical ventilation.

Most people who have the

acute respiratory distress syndrome

you need the help of a breathing apparatus. An artificial respirator draws air into the lungs and expels some of the fluid through the air sacs.

Careful control of the amount of intravenous fluid is essential. Too much can increase fluid buildup in the lungs. Too little fluid can overload the heart and other organs and lead to trauma.

The people with the acute respiratory distress syndrome They usually receive medication for the following:

Prevent and treat infections Relieve pain and discomfort Prevent blood clots in the legs and lungs Minimize gastric reflux Sedate