There is a wide range of respiratory ailments and conditions that affect humans, worldwide. One of them is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome or ARDS. ARDS can have life-threatening consequences if not treated on time, or treated effectively. It also has long-term effects on the patient. Given its serious nature, ARDS is treated on an emergency basis. However, over the years, treatment options have improved, so, today, ARDS patients can look forward to complete cure and better quality of life thereafter. In this article, we will learn more.
Most of us know how the respiratory system functions. Air that we inhale moves through the wind-pipe or trachea to reach both the lungs. The lungs are made up of lobes filled with air-sacs or alveoli. Thousands of alveoli inside the lungs facilitate gas exchange. That is, oxygen from the inhaled air is absorbed by the blood-vessels in these alveoli, and this oxygenated blood is transported to the heart and thereafter to rest of the body. Carbon-di-oxide from previously inhaled and processed air is expelled from the alveoli, out of the lungs and out of the body, through exhalation.
Needless to say, the lungs are ‘dry chambers’ and must be kept dry always, for proper functioning. Else, it can be dangerous to the person. Solids and fluids that enter the lungs accidentally, if not removed quickly, can cause temporary, or long-term damage. ARDS is a condition which happens exactly this way. (Incidentally, toxic gases that are inhaled also cause damage, but they cannot be removed).
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome is a condition in which fluid (blood) starts filling up in the lungs. This happens when blood flowing in tiny capillaries in the lungs develop a leak. Normally, there is a thin membrane that encloses the capillaries. However, injuries and various conditions can cause the membrane to rupture, and the blood from capillaries to leak into the open space in the lungs (between the capillaries and alveoli). This increases the pressure in the lungs as some of the air is replaced by fluid now.
Gradually, the fluid enters the alveoli. This means the alveoli are no longer able to fully hold air, as they are now partly filled with fluid. This in turn means, gas exchange cannot happen properly. As a result, there is less oxygen being sent out from the blood in the lungs, to the rest of the body. The condition is called hypoxia (‘less oxygen’) which has life-threatening consequences. The different organs and parts of the body are no longer getting enough oxygen now which leads to damage and death to those tissues.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
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