Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Caring for Little Heroes with Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a severe lung condition. It occurs when fluid fills up the air sacs in your lungs. Too much fluid in your lungs can limit the amount of oxygen or raise the amount of carbon dioxide in your circulation. Organ failure may eventually result from RDS because your organs do not get enough oxygen. It can also be caused by severe trauma, and can begin as a “walking pneumonia”. It can even appear as an infection somewhere else in the body.
Extreme shortness of breath, dizziness, and gasping for air are examples of symptoms that may appear within a day or two of the first illness or trauma.
What are the Symptoms of Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
The severity of ARDS’s signs and symptoms might vary depending on the condition’s origin, its severity, and whether or not underlying heart or lung illness is present. They consist of the following:
- Severe breathlessness
- Breathing that is labored and unusually quick
- Reduced blood pressure
- Dizziness and excessive fatigue
What are the Causes of Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
The smallest blood arteries in the lungs leak fluid into the tiniest air sacs where the blood is oxygenated, which is the mechanical cause of ARDS. This fluid is typically kept in the vessels by a protective barrier. However, severe disease or injury can harm the membrane, resulting in fluid leakage and ARDS. ARDS’ underlying causes include:
- Sepsis, a dangerous and widespread bloodstream infection, is the most typical cause of ARDS.
- ARDS may develop due to breathing toxic gasses, excessive smoke concentrations, aspirating vomit, or near-drowning incidents.
- All five lobes of the lungs are affected by severe pneumonia.
- Accidents that cause direct damage to the lungs or the area of the brain that regulates respiration include slips, trips, and falls.
- Severe COVID-19 patients may experience ARDS.
Other causes might include burns, heavy blood transfusions, and pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation).
How is Respiratory Distress Syndrome Diagnosed?
RDS diagnosis relies on physical examination, chest X-ray, and assessing oxygen levels since there isn’t a specific test available. Additionally, it’s critical to rule out other illnesses and ailments that can manifest similar symptoms, such as some cardiac conditions. The following are the tests performed to check for RDS –
- X-ray imaging of the chest.
- CT, or computer tomography.
- Your oxygen level can be determined through a test utilizing blood from an artery in your wrist.
Additional blood tests can detect signs of anemia or infection. Analysis of airway secretions may help pinpoint the source of a suspected lung infection.
In addition, the following are the tests to diagnose and rule out any cardiac condition –
- Heart scans – Your doctor might advise heart tests like the ones listed below because the signs and symptoms of RDS are similar to those of some heart conditions.
- Electrocardiogram – During this painless examination, the heart’s electrical activity is monitored using hooked sensors attached to the body.
- Echocardiogram – This cardiac ultrasonography test can identify issues with the structure and operation of your heart.
What are the Treatments for Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
Enhancing blood oxygen levels is the initial step in treating ARDS. Your organs can’t work correctly without oxygen. Your doctor will most likely use additional oxygen to increase the amount in your bloodstream. The oxygen mask will cover your nose and mouth for better inhalation. Oxygen may be administered for less severe symptoms or as a temporary solution.
The majority of RDS sufferers will require mechanical assistance to breathe. A mechanical ventilator pumps some of the fluid out of the air sacs while forcing air into your lungs using mechanical air conditioning.
The quantity of intravenous fluids must be carefully controlled. A fluid overload might worsen fluid retention in the lungs. Your heart may be strained from not getting enough hydration.
Why Choose Giggles Hospitals?
Respiratory Distress Syndrome requires immediate medical attention and can be dangerous. For Best Neonatologist Doctor in Kukatpally Visit Giggles Hospitals for – the most trusted hospital in India, for comprehensive treatment. At Giggles Hospitals, the most reputable healthcare facility in India, we provide comprehensive treatment for RDS. Our dedicated Paediatric doctors are committed to delivering the highest level of care to our patients.
