Acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pronounced as /əˈkjuːt rɪˈspɪrətəri dɪˈstrɛs sɪndroʊm/, is a severe, often life-threatening condition characterized by widespread inflammation in the lungs.

Etymology

The term "acute respiratory distress syndrome" was first used in 1967 and has been frequently defined since. "Acute" refers to the sudden onset of symptoms, "respiratory" pertains to the breathing system, "distress" indicates severe discomfort or suffering, and "syndrome" denotes a group of symptoms that consistently occur together.

Definition

ARDS is a type of respiratory failure characterized by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs. It is a life-threatening condition that prevents oxygen from getting to the lungs and into the blood. Inflammation in the lungs causes fluid to leak into the alveoli, preventing the lungs from filling with air and moving oxygen into the bloodstream.

Symptoms

Symptoms of ARDS can include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and bluish skin coloration. For those who survive ARDS, long-term effects can include memory problems, fatigue, and weakness, collectively known as the post-intensive care syndrome.

Causes

ARDS can be caused by any major inflammation or injury to the lungs. Common causes include pneumonia, sepsis, aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs, and severe trauma.

Treatment

Treatment for ARDS primarily involves addressing the underlying cause and supporting the patient's breathing. This can involve oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, or in severe cases, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Wikipedia's article - Acute respiratory distress syndrome

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