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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), also known as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or adult respiratory distress syndrome (in contrast with IRDS) is a serious reaction to various forms of injuries to the lung. This is the most important disorder resulting in increased permeability pulmonary edema.
ARDS is a severe lung disease caused by a variety of direct and indirect insults. It is characterized by inflammation of the lung parenchyma leading to impaired gas exchange with concomitant systemic release of inflammatory mediators causing inflammation, hypoxemia and frequently resulting in multiple organ failure. This condition is life threatening and often lethal. So it usually requires mechanical ventilation and admission to an intensive care unit. A less severe form is called acute lung injury (ALI).
ARDS formerly most commonly signified adult respiratory distress syndrome to differentiate it from infant respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants. However, as this type of pulmonary edema also occurs in children, ARDS has gradually shifted to mean acute rather than adult. The differences with the typical infant syndrome remain.
More on [ Acute respiratory distress syndrome ]
ARDS - MedlinePlus - Patient-oriented information on the management of this syndrome.
ARDS - The Merck Manual - Detailed information for physicians from this online medical textbook.
ARDS Foundation - Charitable organization offering support to families/victims of Acute (Adult) Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Meta Description: [ ARDS Foundation, charitable organization offers support to families/victims of Acute (Adult) Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Check out resources, events, crisis assistance, survivor registry. ]
ARDS Net - Clinical network set up by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, to test promising agents, devices, or management strategies to improve the care of patients with ARDS.
ARDS Support Center - Information and support for patients, survivors, families, friends, medical personnel and others affected by acute respiratory distress. Includes messages, pen pal circles and newsletter.
Family Practice Notebook: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome - Clinical notes on this emergency topic.
Meta Description: [ Pulmonology: Examination: Sputum Results Purulent ]
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