Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Article
Healthy Lungs
Diseases & Conditions
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHApr 28, 2018

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • ARDS (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome)
  • Diffuse Alveolar Damage (DAD)

What is Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is caused by damage to the alveolar capillaries (present in the lung), which are very important for the exchange of oxygen within the body
  • The alveoli are the structural and functional component of the lungs and are responsible for the exchange of oxygen and keeping the lungs inflated
  • In ARDS, these alveoli and their surrounding blood vessels become damaged by harmful substances, resulting in the presence of fluid in the alveoli, which lead to a decrease in the lungs ability to function properly
  • ARDS usually occur in critically ill hospitalized patients who may have been admitted due to some other illness or disease
  • Common signs and symptoms of ARDS are breathing difficulty, unusually rapid breathing with severe shortness of breath, and confusion
  • The goal of treatment is to provide respiratory support, to ensure proper oxygenation of blood, and undertake treatment of the underlying cause
  • In most cases of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome, the condition progresses to its severe form causing death
  • If the affected individuals survive the initial period, then the chances of recovery from ARDS is good

Who gets Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome can occur in any age group (above the age of 1)
  • It can equally affect both genders
  • There is no distinct racial or ethnic predilection

What are the Risk Factors for Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome? (Predisposing Factors)

Individuals who are at an increased risk of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome include:

  • Critically ill patients (already admitted in the hospital)
  • Patients with systemic infections such as sepsis
  • Chronic alcoholics

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome? (Etiology)

Normally, there is a protective membrane between the lung alveoli and the blood vessels around them. This membrane retains the blood within the vessels, keeping the lung alveoli dry. In Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome, this membrane gets damaged leading to leakage of the fluid into the lungs.

The common underlying causes of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome include:

  • Sepsis or blood poisoning: It is a serious widespread infection of the blood stream
  • Severe pneumonia
  • Inhalation of toxic substances such as certain chemicals or, a high concentration of smoke
  • Aspiration of vomitus (aspiration pneumonia)
  • Major head injury, individuals who are involved in major car crashes or road traffic accidents
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy administered to babies

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Common signs and symptoms associated with Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome are:

  • Difficult or unusually rapid breathing
  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Confusion and altered sensorium (inability of brain to process signals properly)
  • Low blood pressure, which may result in poor blood supply to the organs, and organ failure

How is Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome may include:

  • A complete evaluation of medical history along with a thorough physical exam
  • Upon physical examination the physician will notice abnormal sounds in the lungs during auscultation (examination with a stethoscope)
  • These sounds may indicate the presence of fluid in the lungs

The tests used to diagnose ARDS may include:

  • A chest X-ray
  • Arterial blood gases to examine the oxygen content of blood
  • Test for possible infections such as using sputum, blood, and urine culture

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Complications of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome could include:

  • The lung damage may progress and lead to collapsed lungs
  • Scarring of the lungs, pulmonary fibrosis
  • ARDS can cause damage to the brain due to a lack of oxygen being supplied by blood (anoxic brain damage)
  • Damage to other organs of the body, resulting in multi-organ failure

How is Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome Treated?

Most individuals with Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome will be placed in an intensive care unit. The goal of the treatment is to provide breathing support and to treat the underlying cause.

  • In many cases, these patients will be placed on a breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) in order to have a regular oxygen supply for the entire body

Medications may be given to:

  • Treat the underlying infection or disease
  • Relieve pain and discomfort
  • Prevent gastric acid reflex
  • Sedate and calm the patient

How can Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome be Prevented?

  • Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome can be prevented by decreasing the exposure to harmful toxins
  • Quitting smoking and alcohol is helpful
  • The affected individuals must follow up with their physician to monitor the condition

What is the Prognosis of Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • The prognosis for Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome is relatively poor. In most cases, the condition progress to its severe form, resulting in death
  • If the affected patients survive the initial period, then they stand a better chance and are able to regain regular function of their lungs

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome:

Depression is common in individuals who have had ARDS. Such individuals may benefit from proper medical therapy and support.

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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH picture
Approved by

Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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