Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Basic Disease Information - iMedix

ARDS is a serious lung condition that causes difficulty breathing due to fluid buildup in the lungs, reducing the amount of oxygen that gets into the blood. It is often caused by infections or injuries.

• Severe Infections (Pneumonia or Sepsis): Serious infections, especially in the lungs or throughout the body, can trigger widespread inflammation, leading to ARDS.
• Trauma or Injury: Physical injury to the chest or head, such as from a car accident or fall, can cause ARDS.
• Aspiration: Inhaling vomit or other harmful substances can damage the lungs and lead to ARDS.
• Inhalation of Harmful Substances: Breathing in toxic chemicals, smoke, or fumes can irritate the lungs and contribute to ARDS.

• Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions: People with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease are at higher risk.
• Older Adults: ARDS is more common and severe in older individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems.
• Patients with Severe Infections: Those hospitalized for severe infections, particularly pneumonia or sepsis, are at greater risk for ARDS.
• Those with a History of Smoking: Long-term smokers have damaged lungs, making them more susceptible to conditions like ARDS.

• Severe Shortness of Breath: People with ARDS often feel like they can't get enough air and may struggle to breathe, even when resting.
• Rapid Breathing: Breathing becomes fast and shallow, as the body tries to get more oxygen.
• Low Blood Oxygen Levels: Due to fluid buildup in the lungs, not enough oxygen gets into the bloodstream, leading to low oxygen levels (hypoxemia).
• Coughing: A persistent, dry cough is often a symptom of ARDS, sometimes accompanied by pink, frothy sputum (fluid in the lungs).
• Fatigue and Confusion: Low oxygen levels can cause extreme tiredness and mental confusion.

• Severe Breathing Difficulty: If you are experiencing intense shortness of breath or feeling like you can't breathe, it’s crucial to seek emergency care.
• Bluish Skin, Lips, or Nails (Cyanosis): A sign that oxygen levels in the blood are dangerously low.
• Confusion or Unresponsiveness: If someone becomes confused, dizzy, or unresponsive, it may indicate a lack of oxygen and needs urgent medical intervention.

• Physical Examination: Doctors will assess your breathing and look for signs of low oxygen levels, such as bluish skin or rapid breathing.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can measure oxygen levels and check for underlying infections or other conditions that might be causing ARDS.
• Chest X-ray or CT Scan: Imaging tests help visualize the lungs and detect fluid buildup, inflammation, or infections that are characteristic of ARDS.
• Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG): This test measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, helping to confirm how well the lungs are functioning.

• Oxygen Therapy: Supplemental oxygen is given to raise oxygen levels in the blood. In severe cases, mechanical ventilation (using a breathing machine) may be necessary.
• Medications: Medications used to treat ARDS include antibiotics (if the condition is caused by an infection), diuretics (to reduce fluid buildup in the lungs), and steroids (to lower inflammation in the lungs).
• Fluid Management: Doctors carefully control fluid intake to prevent further fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can worsen breathing difficulties.
• Supportive Care: Other treatments may include managing blood pressure, preventing blood clots, and providing nutrition through a feeding tube if needed.

• Seek Emergency Medical Care: ARDS is a medical emergency, and rapid treatment in a hospital setting is essential.
• Administer Oxygen (if available): Providing oxygen can help until emergency services arrive.
• Avoid Delay: The quicker ARDS is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of recovery.

• Prevent Infections: Regular handwashing, vaccinations (like the flu or pneumonia vaccine), and following infection control guidelines can help reduce the risk of infections that may lead to ARDS.
• Manage Underlying Health Conditions: Controlling chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes can lower the risk of complications that might trigger ARDS.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking damages the lungs and increases the likelihood of developing serious lung conditions, including ARDS. Quitting smoking reduces this risk.
• Minimize Exposure to Harmful Substances: Avoid inhaling toxic fumes, chemicals, and pollutants that can irritate the lungs and lead to severe lung damage.

• Monitor for Early Signs: Hospitalized patients, especially those with pneumonia, sepsis, or trauma, should be closely monitored for signs of ARDS.
• Use Protective Measures: In critical care settings, early use of protective lung ventilation strategies can help prevent lung damage and reduce the risk of ARDS in vulnerable patients.