Acute respiratory distress syndrome

The disease is characterized by rapid onset of inflammation to the lungs. It is a condition in which fluid collects in the air sacs of the lungs, depriving organs of oxygen. The disease impairs the lungs ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. The mechanism involved in this syndrome is diffuses the injured cells which form the barrier of the microscopic air sacs of the lungs, surfactant dysfunction, activation of the immune system and dysfunction of the body's regulation of blood clotting. The disease is diagnosed by PaO2/FiO2 ratio (ratio of partial pressure arterial oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen) of less than 300 mm Hg. Symptoms of this disease include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and bluish skin coloration. It is caused due to sepsis, pancreatitis, trauma, pneumonia and aspiration. The mechanism involves diffuse injury to cells which form the barrier of the microscopic air sacs of the lungs, surfactant dysfunction, activation of the immune system, and dysfunction of the body's regulation of blood clotting. Mechanical ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an option. Continuous positive airway pressure, oxygen therapy is also recommended.

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