Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a form of lung failure. This lung failure can result from several problems such as infection, shock and trauma. Some problems linked with ARDS are:
Pneumonia
Fractures
Burns
Head injuries
Blood transfusions
Organ transplants
Trauma
In ARDS, the lungs become “leaky”. Air sacs in the lungs become filled with fluid. The extra fluid makes the lungs become “stiff” and breathing and oxygen transfer gets harder.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome can be a serious problem seen with many diseases and injuries. Many recent advances have been made in the treatment of ARDS. Because of our experienced staff and advanced technology, we can provide excellent care.
Care of the Patient with ARDS
Your family member or friend will be in an intensive care unit (ICU). The patient will be watched closely 24 hours a day by nurses, doctors, and respiratory therapists.
Breathing Tube
The patient will have a breathing tube placed either in their mouth or the nose. This tube goes down the throat, past the vocal cords, and into the large airways of the lungs. The breathing tube (or ET tube) is connected to a breathing machine by long hoses.
Ventilator or Breathing Machine
A ventilator, or breathing machine, helps move air with oxygen in and out of the lungs. It keeps the lungs and air sacs open. This helps oxygen move into the blood and carbon dioxide leave the body. The breathing machine does the work of breathing so the lungs can rest and heal.
The breathing tube may need to be cleaned when mucus builds up. Staff place a small tube into the breathing tube and remove the mucus with suction. This is called suctioning. You may be asked to leave the room during this process.
Having a breathing tube can be scary. The patient can not talk while the tube is in place. They may feel short of breath even when they are getting enough air. Staff can give medicine to help with anxiety if needed.
Some patients may try to pull out the breathing tube. The tube is needed to help them breathe safely. Staff may use soft hand restraints to prevent the patient from removing the tube and causing harm.
Medicines
Sometimes a patient tries to breathe faster than the breathing machine. This can make it harder for the lungs to rest and heal.
To help with this, the doctor may give a medicine called a paralytic. This medicine stops the patient from moving and breathing on their own for a short time. While this medicine is working, the patient can not move or open their eyes. After the medicine is stopped, the patient will be able to move and open their eyes again.
Patients on a breathing machine often receive medicine for pain, comfort, and anxiety. These medicines help them rest while their lungs heal.
IV Lines
Fluids, drugs, and nutrition are given into the blood through a thin plastic tube called an IV. It is common for a patient to have many IV lines. Most IV lines are on pumps that report the exact amount the patient receives each hour. Ask the nurse any questions you may have about IV’s.
Your Role
Because your friend or family member cannot meet their basic need to breathe, they need to depend on others and on equipment to survive. This can cause a great feeling of loss of control and increased feelings of dependency. It is helpful for you and staff to talk to the patient. Tell them that they are being taken care of and being watched by medical providers.
When you come to visit, you may hold the patient’s hand and talk to the patient. The patient may or may not be able to respond to you because of the medicines. We assume the patient can hear what is being said. A familiar voice and touch are calming.