Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Question 1

Define acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Answer 1

-Acute onset of respiratory failure
-Due to diffuse alveolar injury
-Caused by a pulmonary insult (e.g. pneumonia, gastric aspiration)
OR
-Systemic insult (e.g. shock, pancreatitis, sepsis)

Question 2

What are the clinical features of ARDS?

Answer 2

SOB
End-organ failure
Hypoxia
Signs of respiratory distress

Question 3

What are the investigations for ARDS?

Answer 3

CXR

-bilateral infiltrates

Question 4

How is ARDS managed?

Answer 4

• SIT UP
• O2 15l/min
• Refer HDU/ICU
• Often needs ventilation