When fluid accumulates in the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs, it can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a lung damage. As a result of ARDS, your blood oxygen level drops alarmingly (hypoxia) and your lungs are unable to fill with air.
Usually, respiratory distress syndrome is classified as mild, moderate, or severe by medical professionals. By comparing the amount of oxygen in your blood with the required amount to reach a healthy blood oxygen level, they are able to determine that level.
Other organs including your stomach, heart, kidneys, and brain are unable to receive the oxygen they require to function because of ARDS. ARDS carries a high risk of serious and perhaps fatal complications.
When a patient is in the hospital for treatment for an infection, disease, or trauma, ARDS usually occurs. See a doctor right once if you have ARDS symptoms and are not yet hospitalized.
Which three ARDS phases are there?
ARDS is sometimes divided into three stages by medical professionals: exudative, proliferative, and fibrotic. The degree of inflammation and fluid accumulation, as well as the following healing process your lungs go through, are the major features of this categorization.
The third stage, which mostly describes the development of scar tissue in your lungs and an extended requirement for breathing, is not reached by everyone.
To what extent is ARDS prevalent?
Approximately 200,000 Americans and 3 million individuals worldwide are afflicted with ARDS each year. About 10% of all hospitalizations to the intensive care unit (ICU) are due to ARDS. Because of this, at least 25% of patients in a hospital setting need mechanical breathing.
Signs and Origins
How does acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) manifest itself?
The cause, severity, and presence of underlying heart or lung diseases can influence ARDS symptoms. Among the symptoms are:
- Extremely difficult breathing.
- Rapid, difficult breathing.
- Accelerated heart rate.
- Lips and fingernails get bluish because of low blood oxygen levels.
How soon may someone get acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
After the trigger event, ARDS typically manifests itself a few hours to a few days later. ARDS might quickly get worse.
Who is susceptible to ARDS?
ARDS is more common in patients who are already in the hospital as a result of an illness or injury. However, being admitted to the hospital does not guarantee that you will experience respiratory distress. A few things that could raise your risk are as follows:
- Being over 65 years old.
- Tobacco use.
- Disorder related to substance misuse.
- Having a pulmonary condition.
Diagnoses and Examinations
In order to diagnose acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), what tests are performed?
Medical professionals use the findings of multiple tests in addition to a physical examination to diagnose ARDS. Since ARDS symptoms might mimic those of long-term heart or lung disorders, it may be necessary for your provider to rule out other possible causes.
A medical professional may request a variety of tests, such as:
- A chest X-ray to gauge the amount of fluid in your lungs.
- A blood test to gauge blood oxygen levels and assess the degree of acute respiratory distress syndrome.
- An echocardiogram, or heart ultrasound, is used to assess heart function.
- To gauge the electrical activity of your heart, get an electrocardiogram, or EKG.
- A pulse oximetry fingertip sensor for continuous oxygen level monitoring.
- A computed tomography (CT) scan can provide you more precise lung health information.
- Taking a sample of your respiratory secretions to identify the infection’s source.
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