ARDS Treatment in Delhi | Acute Respiratory Distress Care

ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)

ARDS is a life-threatening lung condition where the lungs become severely inflamed and filled with fluid, leading to severe difficulty in breathing and low oxygen levels in the blood. It often develops rapidly in critically ill patients and requires urgent care.

Causes of ARDS

ARDS is usually triggered by an underlying serious illness or injury, some of its common causes are:

Sepsis (most common)
Pneumonia
COVID-19
Pancreatitis
Trauma (e.g., chest injury, burns)
Aspiration of gastric contents
Inhalation of toxic gases/smoke
Multiple blood transfusions
Near drowning

Symptoms of ARDS

Severe shortness of breath
Rapid, shallow breathing
Low oxygen levels (even with oxygen support)
Cough, sometimes with frothy sputum
Fatigue or confusion
Low blood pressure
Bluish lips or skin (cyanosis)

Treatment

Supportive Care:

Mechanical ventilation – For mainstay of the treatment
Oxygen therapy – To maintain the oxygen saturation
Fluid management – Balance to avoid overload

Treat Underlying Cause:

Antibiotics (for infections)
Steroids (sometimes used)
Antivirals (if due to COVID-19 or viral pneumonia)

Advanced Therapies:

Prone positioning (lying on the stomach improves oxygenation)
ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) in severe, unresponsive cases

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is ARDS the same as pneumonia?

No. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs; ARDS is an inflammatory response that may occur after pneumonia or other serious illnesses.

2. How long does ARDS last?

It varies, recovery may take weeks to months, depending on severity and complications.

3. Can people recover from ARDS?

Yes, but recovery may be slow. Some may develop long-term breathing issues or reduced lung function.

4. Is ARDS contagious?

No. ARDS itself is not contagious, but the underlying cause (like COVID-19 or pneumonia) can be.

5. What are the complications of ARDS?

The complications include lung scarring (fibrosis), long-term oxygen dependence, muscle weakness (from prolonged ICU stay), psychological effects (e.g., PTSD, anxiety)