What does ALI mean in NURSING

Acute lung injury (ALI) is an inflammatory process that affects the air sacs in the lungs. This reduces the ability for oxygen to enter into the bloodstream, leading to decreased oxygen levels throughout the body. It can be caused by infection, environmental toxins, smoke inhalation or medications.

Symptoms of ALI include shortness of breath, a rapid heart rate, fatigue and confusion. Coughing up blood may also be indicative of a more serious type of ALI called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Treatment for ALI typically includes ventilator support to assist with breathing and medication to reduce inflammation and promote recovery of lost lung function. Oxygen therapy may also be prescribed if necessary. Depending on the severity of the case and other factors such as age and overall health status, additional treatments such as steroids or chest physiotherapy may be recommended.

Patients who have experienced ALI may experience long-term pulmonary complications such as decreased exercise capacity and increased risk for infection due to a weakened immune system against bacteria in their environment. Some patients may even develop post-traumatic stress disorder due to their experience with this illness.

While it is rare for someone who has recovered from an episode of ALI to have another episode in most cases people do not experience recurrent episodes unless they are exposed to similar conditions again that would cause them to experience ALI once more such as inhalation of dust particles from construction sites etc.For those individuals it is advised they take extra caution when exposed since they are more prone than others.