Adult respiratory distress syndrome, more commonly referred to as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), is a life-threatening condition which is characterized by the sudden onset of severe dyspnea and hypoxemia.
ARDS is typically a secondary condition and is induced by the inflammation of the alveolar-capillary interface, which results in protein and fluid entering the interstitial space and alveoli. This pulmonary infiltrate and can lead to respiratory failure or, in approximately 20-30% of ARDS cases, death.
Although the lungs are the primary site of dysfunction for an individual with ARDS, many of the other systems will be compromised due to the decrease in blood oxygen levels. Because ARDS can occur in an individual of any age, the systemic impact of the condition may also result in serious complications later in life for the individual.
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