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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome – Definition and Diagnosis

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a serious lung condition that prevents lungs from receiving sufficient oxygen and consequently oxygen levels in blood decrease. Chest X-ray and arterial blood gas analysis helps diagnose acute respiratory distress syndrome.

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Definition and Diagnosis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

New York (USA), June 27, 2013

What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Definition of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a serious lung condition that prevents lungs from receiving sufficient oxygen and consequently oxygen levels in blood decrease. This is same as respiratory distress syndrome.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is not a disease; rather it occurs as a sudden reaction to serious injuries or due to extensive infection to lungs.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome normally affects critically ill persons. It manifests as severe breathlessness developing within few hours or days after grievous injuries.

Doctors first detected acute respiratory distress syndrome in 1967. Chest x-rays of people with sudden breathing problems had similar patchy spots. This syndrome was initially referred to as adult respiratory distress syndrome. This was to avoid any confusion with a similar syndrome occurring in children known as Infant respiratory distress syndrome. However, it is now referred to as acute respiratory distress syndrome as same condition affects children and adults alike.

Diagnosis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Chest X-ray and arterial blood gas analysis helps diagnose acute respiratory distress syndrome. Chest X-rays show bilateral alveolar infiltrates. Further CT scanning delivers accurate image of pulmonary parenchyma. Absence of cardiovascular lesion is another factor that helps diagnose acute respiratory distress syndrome.

People with excessive injuries or seriously ill patients develop acute respiratory distress syndrome. The condition in most situations is fatal. Age and severity of illness further exaggerate fatality. Very few people survive acute respiratory distress syndrome. Some recover completely while others suffer serious lung damages.

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