ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)
ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) Causes
There is no exact cause of ARDS, it will occur patient with or without respiratory problem. But it will develop if the lung is injured directly or indirectly. Directly is an injury cause by breathing of harmful substances that will develop to pneumonia, aspiration, chest injury that bruises the lungs. Indirect injury is cause by severe infection, shock and inflammation of pancreas.
ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) Definition
Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a condition in which a patient with underlying disease has a breathing problem. It is a non- specific respiratory disorder that occurs if there is a fluid build up in the lungs that blocks the exchange of gases that provide energy in the body. ARDS is a life threatening disease if failed to provide care immediately and properly.
ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) Diagnosis
The patient is diagnosed with ARDS if he/she is suffering from severe injury or infection that will lead to respiratory problem. Chest X ray shows fluid in the lungs and arterial blood gas test determined oxygen saturation.
ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) Symptoms and Signs
Patient with ARDS will manifest dyspnea, tachypnea, pallor, and low oxygen saturation. This disease can lead to multiple organ failure due to low oxygen supply of the body.
ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) Treatment
The main intervention for patient with ARDS is to provide high concentration oxygen through face mask or sometimes physician will advise to connect the patient to breathing machine that are called ventilator. The ventilator is done through endotracheal tube or through tracheotomy. This machine provides proper level of oxygen to the body until the lungs of the patient heals. Nasogastric tube to give food, if does not work intravenous feeding is prescribe. Medication such as antibiotics for infection, pain relievers, anti anxiety drugs, drugs that stimulate the heart to increase the blood pressure and muscle relaxant is also prescribe to the patient.