Recent articles in Medical Emergencies Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): symptoms, causes, complications and treatment.

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs when fluid builds up in th e air sacs (alveoli) of lungs. More fluid in the lungs, which means less oxygen reaches the bloodstream. This deprives organs of oxygen they need to function. ARDS usually occurs in people who are already seriously ill or who have signific ant injuries. The severe respiratory failure is the main symptom of ARDS. Many people who develop ARDS do not survive. The risk of death increases with ag e and the severity of the disease. Some people who survive ARDS, some recover co mpletely, while others experience permanent lung damage. Symptoms The signs and symptoms of ARDS may vary in intensity depending on the cause and severity. They include: Severe respiratory failure Wheezing, abnormally rapid Low blood pressure Confusion and extreme fatigue ARDS usually follows a serious illness or injury, and most people who are affect ed are already hospitalized. Causes The mechanical cause of ARDS is the leakage from small blood vessels in the lung s. Normally, a protective membrane that keeps the fluid in the vessels. A seriou s illness or trauma, can cause inflammation that undermines the integrity of the membrane, causing leakage. The most common underlying causes of acute respiratory distress syndrome are: Sepsis. The most common cause of ARDS is sepsis, a severe infection of the blood stream and spread. Inhalation of harmful substances. breathing high concentrations of fumes or chem ical vapors may cause ARDS, as well as inhalation (aspiration) vomiting. Severe pneumonia. Severe cases of pneumonia usually affects all five lobes of th e lungs. Injury to the head or chest. accidents such as falls or car accidents, can direc tly damage the lungs or the brain that controls breathing. Continue reading: about health, advance health information, advice health http:/ /medical-helpful-info.blogspot.com