Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Flashcards
Define Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
a type of respiratory failure characterized by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs
a non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and diffuse lung inflammation syndrome that often complicates critical illness
criteria:
Acute onset (within 1 week)
Bilateral opacities on chest x-ray
PaO₂/FiO₂ (arterial to inspired oxygen) ratio of ≤300 on positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ≥5 cm H₂O
Explain the aetiology/risk factors of ARDS
ARDS occurs when the lungs become severely inflamed due to an infection or injury
The lungs can become inflamed following:
- pneumonia or severe flu
- blood poisoning
- a severe chest injury
- accidental inhalation of vomit, smoke or toxic chemicals
- near drowning
- acute pancreatitis
- an adverse reaction to a blood transfusion
Risk factors:
- age over 65 years
- chronic lung disease
- a history of alcohol misuse or cigarette smoking
- worse in people who have toxic shock or liver failure
What are the presenting symptoms of ARDS?
shortness of breath rapid breathing bluish skin coloration tiredness, drowsiness or confusion feeling faint muscle fatigue and general weakness a dry, hacking cough a fever headaches a fast pulse rate
What are the signs of ARDS?
low blood pressure
Acute onset (within 1 week)
Bilateral opacities on chest x-ray
PaO₂/FiO₂ (arterial to inspired oxygen) ratio of ≤300 on positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ≥5 cm H₂O
What are the investigations for ARDS?
- chest x-ray - bilateral infiltrates
- arterial blood gases - low partial oxygen pressure
- sputum culture - positive if underlying infection
- blood culture - positive if underlying infection
- urine culture - positive if underlying infection
- amylase and lipase - amylase and/or lipase 3 times the upper limit of the normal range in cases of acute pancreatitis
