Specialized care at GHCCD

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) Treatment

Get expert, free treatment for ARDS at GHCCD Visakhapatnam. Our 16-bed Respiratory ICU (RICU) provides life-saving care for acute lung failure.

Clinical illustration of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

GHCCD service overview

Introduction

ARDS is a life-threatening lung condition that happens when fluid builds up in the tiny, elastic air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. This fluid prevents your lungs from filling with enough air, which means less oxygen reaches your bloodstream, causing severe shortness of breath.

Symptoms

Severe shortness of breath
Rapid, labored breathing
Low blood pressure
Confusion and extreme tiredness
Bluish color on skin or lips (cyanosis)

Causes & Risk Factors

Severe pneumonia or flu
Sepsis (serious infection in the bloodstream)
Severe chest injury or trauma
Inhaling harmful substances or smoke
Near-drowning incidents

Our Treatment Approach at GHCCD

At GHCCD, we manage ARDS as a high-priority medical emergency. Our specialized 16-bed Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (RICU) is fully equipped with advanced mechanical ventilators and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) systems. Our multidisciplinary team of pulmonologists and critical care specialists provides 24/7 monitoring, specialized fluid management, and lung-protective ventilation strategies to improve survival rates.

We utilize our in-house Liquid Oxygen (LOX) plant to ensure an uninterrupted supply of high-flow oxygen, which is critical for ARDS patients. Our goal is to support lung function while treating the underlying cause of the distress.

When to Visit GHCCD

ARDS usually develops within hours or days of an original injury or infection. If you experience sudden, severe difficulty in breathing or persistent chest pain after a flu-like illness, visit our 24/7 Emergency Wing immediately.

FAQ

Q: Is ARDS treatment free at GHCCD? A: Yes, all critical care services, including mechanical ventilation and intensive monitoring for ARDS, are provided absolutely free of charge at GHCCD.

Patient information

More about this service

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe and life-threatening condition characterized by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs. It can be triggered by various factors, including pneumonia, sepsis, trauma, or inhalation of harmful substances. ARDS leads to fluid accumulation in the alveoli (air sacs), preventing oxygen from adequately reaching the bloodstream, resulting in severe hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels). Patients with ARDS often experience severe shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and low blood pressure. The condition requires immediate medical attention and often necessitates intensive care unit (ICU) management due to its high mortality rate and the complexity of care required.

Treatment for ARDS

Treatment for ARDS primarily focuses on supporting the patient’s respiratory function while addressing the underlying cause. Mechanical ventilation is commonly used to maintain adequate oxygenation and reduce the work of breathing. Strategies like low tidal volume ventilation and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) are employed to minimize lung injury and improve oxygenation. In severe cases, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be considered to provide oxygen to the blood outside the body, allowing the lungs to rest and heal. Additionally, management of fluid balance, treatment of infections, and supportive care are critical components of ARDS treatment. Research continues to explore new therapeutic approaches, including the use of corticosteroids, stem cell therapy, and personalized medicine, aiming to improve outcomes for patients with this challenging syndrome.

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