Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a medical condition wherein fluid leakage results in the buildup in the lungs. This results in blockage in the air accumulation in the alveoli and oxygen delivery to the bloodstream. This illness typically occurs when your lungs are deeply injured due to any trauma or infection and unable to function correctly. ARDS can further result in the inappropriate functioning of the organs due to insufficient oxygen supply, resulting in organ dysfunction and potential failure.

In ARDS, the delicate tissues of the lungs get inflamed or damaged, resulting in fluid leakage in the lungs' alveoli (air sacs) and surrounding interstitial spaces. This buildup can deeply hamper oxygen delivery into the bloodstream, thus causing severe hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels) in the body. ARDS is a multifactorial disease which requires careful management and care. Let us discover its common symptoms, causes, and possible treatment options.

Symptoms of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

ARDS is a life-threatening medical condition that can impair the body's functioning. This disease can manifest itself in a wide range of symptoms, such as:

Relatively low blood pressure
State of confusion or disorientation due to decreased oxygen supply to the brain.
Rapid heart rate due to insufficient oxygen delivery within the body
Chest pain due to excess breathing pressure
Fatigue or weakness, along with decreased physical strength
Cyanosis (bluish skin colouration) due to inappropriate oxygenation within the body.
Excessive sweating due to the body's efforts to compensate for hypoxemia
Cough, along with bloody sputum or blood-tinged mucus, indicates underlying lung damage.
Severe shortness of breath

These symptoms can be very challenging and disruptive to daily life routines, causing considerable distress, low strength, and hampering the ability to perform simple tasks.

Causes of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

The lungs contain tiny blood vessels known as capillaries, which are crucial in exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide during breathing. The fluid leakage from any one of these results in fluid leakage and buildup in the lungs, hampering the oxygen accumulation and delivery to the blood vessels. Here are some of the most common causes of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome:

Prolonged Inhalation of Harmful Substances: This includes exposure to chemical gases, toxic fumes, and other harmful matter that can potentially cause lung injury.
Chest, Head, or Other Major Injury: Traumatic injuries such as accidents or falls can damage the lung tissues and induce systemic inflammation.
Aspiration: Inhalation of unidentified foreign matter, saliva, and gastric contents, leading to lung infection and inflammation.
Severe Pneumonia - is a severe lung infection caused by harmful viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It damages the lungs and their healthy functioning.
Sepsis: It is a life-threatening condition caused by the body's extreme response to the infection, resulting in inflammation and organ dysfunction.
Blood Transfusions: Blood transfusions associated with acute lung injury (TRALI) result in lung inflammation, leading to fluid accumulation and difficulty breathing, which can cause ARDS.
Pancreatitis: Severe infection in the lungs can release harmful enzymes that injure surrounding tissues, including the lungs, contributing to ARDS development.

Who is at Risk of Developing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)?

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) can affect anyone. However, patients with severe sepsis, pneumonia, inhalation injuries due to exposure to smoke or toxic fumes or recipients of TRALI are at a significant risk of developing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

Another category of people at a greater risk of developing ARDS include people with:

Advanced Age
History of Alcohol
Prolonged Tobacco Use

How is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Treated?

The Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach involving expert physicians, pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and nurses. This approach is essential for the appropriate management of ARDS. The treatment approach entirely focuses on supportive care and addressing the underlying medical condition causing ARDS.

Oxygen and Ventilation: Patients with ARDS are placed on medical ventilators to stabilise breathing and balance oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Mechanical ventilators deliver oxygen-rich air to the patients to effectively remove carbon dioxide from the lungs.
Treating & Managing Underlying Cause: ARDS can result from various underlying medical conditions, such as Pancreatitis, TRALI, severe Pneumonia, and more. Effective treatment and management of the underlying medical condition can help control the infection and inflammation and prevent further lung damage.
Medications to Manage Symptoms: No medication treats ARDS. However, a healthcare professional may prescribe some medications to help control the infection and inflammation of the lungs.

Conclusion

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening medical condition that requires comprehensive care and effective management. With immediate detection and supportive treatment to alleviate the underlying medical conditions, patients can experience improved outcomes and increased chances of survival.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome ( ARDS)?

Q1. What is the meaning of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
A1. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome is a life-threatening condition causing low blood oxygen.

Q2. What are the two major symptoms of ARDS?
A2. Shortness of breath or brain fog are the two major symptoms of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

Q3. What causes ARDS?
A3. Pneumonia, sepsis, inhalation of toxic substances, alcohol use, tobacco consumption, and advancing age (in some cases) can cause ARDS.

Q4. What is the best treatment for ARDS?
A4. Supportive care and oxygen ventilation are the best treatment approaches for ARDS.

Q5. What are the different types of ARDS?
A5. ARDS have no particular type. However, different types of underlying medical conditions may cause ARDS in individuals.