Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Understanding ARDS: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

What Is ARDS?

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening form of respiratory failure. It occurs when inflammation causes fluid to leak into the tiny air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs, preventing enough oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. Despite advances in intensive-care medicine, ARDS still carries significant risks: mortality rates range from 30 % to 40 %, depending on age, underlying illness, and how quickly treatment begins.

Common Triggers

• Pneumonia or severe viral infections (e.g., influenza, COVID-19)
• Sepsis — widespread infection in the blood
• Major trauma or burns
• Aspiration of gastric contents
• Pancreatitis, massive transfusion, or near-drowning incidents

Early Warning Signs

Rapid breathing, severe shortness of breath, low oxygen saturation, and low blood pressure may appear within 12 – 48 hours of the triggering event. A chest X-ray typically shows diffuse “white-out” shadows.

Modern Treatment Approach at Advanced Hospital

Protective Mechanical Ventilation – low tidal volumes and moderate PEEP prevent further lung injury.
Prone-Positioning – rotating the patient onto their stomach improves ventilation/perfusion matching.
Neuromuscular Blockade & Sedation – allows synchrony with the ventilator in severe cases.
ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) – our ICU offers bedside veno-venous ECMO for refractory ARDS.
Precision Fluid Management – conservative fluid strategy reduces pulmonary edema.
Treat the Root Cause – targeted antibiotics, antivirals, or surgery for trauma-related injuries.

” Early referral to a centre experienced in ECMO can increase survival in very severe ARDS. “— Dr. Nikhil Patel

Long-Term Recovery & Outlook

Many survivors experience muscle weakness, fatigue, or mild reductions in lung capacity for months. Our multidisciplinary rehab program—including physiotherapy, nutrition counselling, and psychological support—helps patients regain strength and quality of life.

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