Index
She is also known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
It is an acute and severe lung dysfunction that affects the lungs and that occurs as a result of an illness or injury.
Respiratory distress can become a life-threatening condition characterized by inflammation of the lungs, which can start in one lung but eventually affect both.
Although it is sometimes called respiratory distress syndrome in adults, it can also affect children.
ARDS accumulates fluid in the lungs’ alveoli, making it difficult for oxygen to enter the bloodstream.
Signs and symptoms of respiratory distress
With fluid accumulation, the lungs become heavy, stiff, and unable to expand properly. Most patients require mechanical ventilation due to respiratory failure.
The disorder may also be accompanied by the alteration of other vital functions, including cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, hematological, and neurological functions.
The involvement of other organs besides the lungs can lead to a condition sometimes called multi-organ dysfunction syndrome.
The main symptoms may include:
- Breathing difficulties ( dyspnea ).
- Rapid breathing ( tachypnea ).
- Excessive and rapid breathing (hyperventilation).
- Insufficient levels of circulating blood oxygen ( hypoxemia ).
The patient may appear pale, and the hands and feet may have a bluish-gray hue due to the decreased level of oxygen in the blood.
Other common symptoms and signs of respiratory distress include low blood pressure, a dry, cutting cough, fever, and headaches.
Causes
Some causes that can lead to this type of lung damage include:
- Aspirate toxic substances: saltwater, chemicals, and smoke.
- Have a severe blood infection.
- I am having a severe infection of the lungs, such as pneumonia.
- Injuries due to automobile accidents or contact sports.
- Overdose of sedatives or antidepressants.
Diagnosis
There is no accurate test to identify respiratory distress.
The diagnosis is based on a physical examination, the chest radiograph, and checking the oxygen levels in the blood.
Other diseases and conditions can be ruled out, such as specific heart problems producing similar symptoms.
Among the exams that help to make the diagnosis, we have:
- X-ray of Thorax, you can see if the lungs contain fluid and if your heart is of abnormal size through this test.
- Computed tomography can provide detailed information about the structures inside the heart and lungs.
- Blood tests can detect signs of infection or anemia, and the secretions of the respiratory tract can be analyzed to know in this way the possible causes of the disease.
- Since the signs and symptoms of ARDS are equivalent to those of some heart problems, your doctor may recommend cardiac tests, such as Electrocardiogram and echocardiogram.
Treatment for respiratory distress
The first objective in treating respiratory distress is to improve the oxygen levels in your blood. So it will be administered:
- Supplemental oxygen for milder symptoms, oxygen can be administered through an adjustable mask firmly over the nose and mouth.
- In mechanical ventilation, the vast majority of people with respiratory distress will need the help of a machine to perform the breathing process. A mechanical ventilator pushes the air into the lungs and expels fluid from the alveoli.
- Carefully administering the number of fluids intravenously is crucial. Too much juice can increase the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Moreover, very little juice can pressure your heart and other organs and cause shock.
- Medications generally, the medicines supplied will be: antibiotics to prevent and treat infections, analgesics to relieve pain and discomfort, and other drugs to prevent blood clots in the legs and lungs, minimize gastric reflux, and even supply sedatives.
Risk factor’s
Respiratory distress is a complication of another previous condition. The people who are most likely to develop respiratory distress are those with high-risk factors such as:
- Adults over 65 years.
- The habit of smoking
- Pre-existence of chronic lung diseases.
- A history of alcoholism.
- Suffer from liver failure
There is no practical way to prevent ARDS completely. However, the risk can be reduced if:
- Seek immediate medical assistance before the manifestation of any trauma, infection, or disease.
- Stay away from smoke fumes and other toxic gases.
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Administer the flu vaccine annually and the pneumonia vaccine every five years. This decreases your risk of lung infections.
