Understanding Acute Respiratory Distress

• The term wet lung is sometimes used for ARDS because its primary symptom is fluid buildup in the lungs that blocks oxygen transfer to the bloodstream. Typically, this buildup occurs within one to two days of the original cause of distress. If you develop this condition, you may experience rapid or labored breathing and shortness of breath. Organ failure and low blood pressure also may occur. Because the conditions that cause ARDS are frequently incapacitating, you may not be aware of the changes in your breathing or body. In these cases, doctors or emergency personnel will look for signs of breathing difficulties, low blood pressure or blue tinting of the lips, skin or nails.
  
  

Treatment Options

• If you are suffering from ARDS, you almost certainly will be treated in an intensive care unit (ICU). There you will be placed on artificial ventilation with a goal of resupplying your lungs with adequate oxygen. If you are breathing on your own, this treatment may initially consist of a supplemental oxygen supply. ARDS, however, is frequently a progressive disorder, and you may be placed on full respiratory assistance as your condition develops. In some circumstances, you may be given a treatment known as liquid ventilation. In this procedure, your lungs will be filled with a liquid called perfluorocarbon, which efficiently exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide. It also may help remove contaminants, mucus and debris. Your respiratory therapy may include use of nitric oxide, a gas that reduces pressure on the arteries in your lungs and improves blood flow. Improper ventilation techniques actually can worsen your condition. As part of treatment, your doctors will monitor you to ensure that no additional harm is done.
  
  Your doctors will combine breathing support with treatment of your underlying condition. If bacterial infection is present, you will be treated with antibiotics. If fluid buildup in your lungs is caused by inflammation, you may receive systemic corticosteroids in later stages of treatment. Fluid buildup also may be suctioned from your lungs.
  
  In addition to all of these steps, your doctors will protect your body from the dangers of prolonged inactivity and immobility while you are confined to bed.
  
  

Outlook

• Your chances of surviving ARDS depend at least partially on your age and physical condition. While anyone can recover successfully, patients past age 70 are twice as likely to die. If you survive the crisis point of ARDS treatment, you typically will begin to recover in a couple of weeks. While recovery is usually complete, you may experience permanent mild or moderate decreases in lung capacity.