Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a lung condition in which trauma to the lungs leads to inflammation of the lungs, accumulation of fluid in the alveolar air sacs, low blood oxygen, and respiratory distress. ARDS can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of are shortness of breath and low levels of oxygen in the blood, which can cause your organs to fail.
Causes of ARDS include:
- Pneumonia
- Aspiration into the lungs
- Severe blow to the chest
- Sepsis
- Severe injury with shock
- Drug overdose
- Inflamed pancreas
- Other lung conditions and infections
- Burns
- Sepsis
- Near drowning
- Fractures
There have been genetic factors linked to ARDS. Treatment for includes supplemental oxygen, and/or medication. According to some studies, survival rates for ARDS depend upon the cause associated with it, but can vary from 48% to 68%.
REFERENCES:
Harman, EM, MD. “Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Clinical Presentation.” Medscape. Updated: Aug 11, 2016.
Harman, EM, MD. “Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.” Medscape. Updated: Aug 11, 2016.
PubMed Health. “ARDS.” Updated: Jun 11, 2014.
Reynolds, HN. et al. Acute respiratory distress syndrome: estimated incidence and mortality rate in a 5 million-person population base. Crit Care. 1998; 2(1): 29–34. Published online 1998 Mar 12. doi: 10.1186/cc121