Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Alternate Names : Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, ARDS
What are the treatments for the disease?
People with ARDS must be treated in a hospital, often in the
intensive care unit.
Keeping the person's oxygen intake within healthy limits is key, as well as
treating the underlying cause of the lung injury. It is also crucial to maintain the
person's fluid balance. Either too much or
too little fluid can be harmful and will affect the outcome of ARDS.
Treatment may also include:
antibiotics to treat infections or sepsis
surgery, if an injury caused the ARDS
use of a ventilator,
which is an artificial breathing machine
Research is also promising for several other treatments, including
replacement surfactant and anti-inflammatory agents, but more study is needed.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects depend on the treatments used. For example,
antibiotics can cause stomach upset, allergic reaction,
and other effects. Surgery poses a risk of infection, bleeding, or
allergic reaction
to anesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
In many cases, no further measures are needed after treatment
of ARDS, and the person is able to return to his or her usual activities. Often,
however, a person will have to battle ongoing lung problems. He or she
may need physical therapy
and pulmonary therapy to strengthen the body and the lungs.
How is the disease monitored?
Arterial blood gases
and chest X-rays
will be done repeatedly until the person improves. Any new or worsening
symptoms should be reported to the doctor.
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