Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a serious and potentially life- threatening condition where the lungs suffer a widespread injury causing fluid to leak into the tiny air sacs (alveoli). This fluid buildup prevents the lungs from filling with enough air, leading to dangerously low oxygen levels in the blood. Because the organs need oxygen-rich blood to function properly, ARDS can cause multiple organ failures. Key points about ARDS:
- It develops rapidly, typically within hours to a few days after an injury or illness such as sepsis, pneumonia, trauma, or aspiration.
- Symptoms include severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing, cough, chest discomfort, fast heart rate, confusion, and extreme tiredness.
- Diagnosis often involves measuring oxygen levels in the blood and imaging to see lung infiltrates.
- Treatment primarily involves mechanical ventilation to support breathing and addressing the underlying cause.
- ARDS has a high mortality rate, ranging between 35% and 46% depending on severity.
- Survivors may experience lasting lung damage or decreased quality of life.
ARDS affects millions globally each year and is a frequent cause for intensive care admissions.
