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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a medical condition in which fluid builds up in the alveoli (delicate, elastic air sacs) of your lungs. Lungs are vital organs of the body whose function is to exchange gases between air and the body. Lungs consist of a series of branching tubes( trachea, bronchi, bronchioles) that end into tiny air sacs called alveoli. The accumulation of this fluid in the alveoli prevents your lungs from effectively expanding with air resulting in lesser oxygen entering your circulation. Your organs will be deprived of the oxygen they require to work.
People who are otherwise severely ill or have major injuries are more likely to develop ARDS. The clear indicator of ARDS is severe breathlessness, which appears anywhere from a few moments to a few days after the triggering event or infection. Most individuals who get ARDS do not even survive through. With increasing age and severity of illness, the probability of death doubles. Some patients who survive ARDS recover entirely, and many have their lungs irreparably destroyed.
Most people who develop ARDS have already been admitted to the hospital due to trauma or disease. ARDS can be life-threatening and can swiftly deteriorate. However, it is usually manageable, and the majority of patients improve. It's critical to have a quick evaluation and management.