Final answer:
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe lung condition characterized by sudden respiratory distress and low oxygen levels in the blood. It is treated with supportive care, including mechanical ventilation and medication therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe lung condition that can occur in adults. It is characterized by sudden onset of respiratory distress, hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood), and radiographic findings of extensive lung consolidation on a chest radiograph (CXR). Common signs and symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, low oxygen saturation, and difficulty breathing. The most common cause of ARDS is a severe infection, such as pneumonia.
Treatment for ARDS focuses on supportive care and addressing the underlying cause. It may involve mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to improve oxygenation, administration of supplemental oxygen, fluid management, and medication therapy to reduce inflammation and support lung function. In some cases, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be used to provide life-sustaining support.