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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (cont.)

ARDS Treatment

Medical Treatment for ARDS

  • Persons with ARDS are hospitalized and require treatment in an intensive care unit.
  • No specific therapy for ARDS exists.
  • Treatment is primarily supportive using a mechanical respirator and supplemental oxygen.
  • Intravenous fluids are given to provide nutrition and prevent dehydration, and are carefully monitored to prevent fluid from accumulating in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
  • Because infection is often the underlying cause of ARDS, appropriate antibiotic therapy is administered.
  • Corticosteroids may sometimes be administered in ARDS or if the patient is in shock, but their use is controversial.



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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome »

Since World War I, it has been recognized that some patients with nonthoracic injuries, severe pancreatitis, massive transfusion, sepsis, and other conditions may develop respiratory distress, diffuse lung infiltrates, and respiratory failure sometimes after a delay of hours to days.

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