Ards
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe lung condition that causes low oxygen levels in the blood. It is a life-threatening condition that often requires immediate medical attention.
ARDS can be caused by various conditions, including pneumonia, sepsis, and trauma. It can also occur as a complication of major surgery. The condition is characterized by the rapid onset of severe dyspnea, hypoxemia, and diffuse pulmonary infiltrates.
Causes
ARDS can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.
- Sepsis: This is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to an infection.
- Trauma: This includes injuries to the chest, such as a broken rib or punctured lung.
- Inhalation of harmful substances: This includes smoke inhalation and inhaling vomit into the lungs.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ARDS can vary in severity, but they usually develop within a few hours to a few days after the precipitating injury or illness. Common symptoms include:
- Severe shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Low blood oxygen levels
- Extreme fatigue
- Confusion
Treatment
Treatment for ARDS typically involves addressing the underlying cause and supporting the patient's breathing. This can include:
- Oxygen therapy: This involves providing extra oxygen to the patient to help them breathe.
- Mechanical ventilation: This involves using a machine to help the patient breathe.
- Medication: This can include drugs to treat infections, relieve pain and discomfort, and prevent complications.
Prognosis
The prognosis for ARDS varies depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health. Some people may recover completely, while others may experience long-term complications such as pulmonary fibrosis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ards
- Wikipedia's article - Ards
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski