What does ARDS mean in PHYSIOLOGY

Definition

ARDS stands for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. It is an inflammatory response within the lungs which causes an inadequate exchange of oxygen between the alveoli of the lungs and the bloodstream due to damage to the lung's protective barriers. This results in severe difficulty breathing and can be life-threatening if not carefully managed and monitored by medical professionals.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ARDS vary depending on severity but generally include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing even when resting, rapid respiratory rate, chest pain, labored or shallow breathing pattern, blueness around lips or fingernails due to low oxygen levels in the blood (cyanosis), fatigue or confusion caused by low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxia), dry cough and perspiration.

Causes

ARDS can be caused by a variety of medical conditions including sepsis bacterial infections such as pneumonia which cause overproduction of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), inhalation injuries from smoke or chemical fumes from fires or fumes from toxic materials such as chlorine gas; direct injury from trauma such as car accidents; inhaling gastric contents after vomiting due to eating disorders; drugs overdose; some medications; transfusions that occur too quickly; virus infection such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or certain types of cancer; major surgery particularly involving organs associated with respiration like heart surgery; and finally fluid overload due to malabsorption syndromes like pancreatitis.

Treatment

Treatment for ARDS involves providing supportive care such as supplemental oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation when needed for recovery as well as providing nutrition to prevent nutritional deficiencies during recovery periods. Physical therapy may be also necessary depending on individual cases so that muscles regain strength lost during bed rest period associated with recovery time. Medications such as antibiotics are also used depending upon underlying conditions causing ARDS so that any underlying infection may be treated properly before complications worsen further.

Prevention

The most effective ways of preventing ARDS are avoiding exposure to inhaled irritants like smoke from fires or hazardous chemicals at work places by taking necessary safety measures while working at workplaces where these materials may be present; having regular vaccinations against contagious disease such as influenza and pneumococcal bacteria vaccines periodically recommended by doctor’s age wise particulary individuals over 65 years old who are more prone developing these chronic illnesses that might lead development of ARDS later on ; ensuring timely diagnosis and management of any type underlying chronic diseases especially cardiovascular diseases which significantly increase risk factor associated with development ARDS ypeeding up follow up clinic visit after major surgical procedures meanwhile increasing awareness about early signs and symptoms related this condition so that immediate referral could be made if required.