Victims of serious accidents often suffer many injuries, such as internal organ damage, serious burns, and traumatic brain injuries. 
Unfortunately, victims can also develop complications from their injuries. One extremely life-threatening medical condition they could suffer from is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Common Causes of ARDS
ARDS occurs when fluid builds up in the tiny sacs in the lungs. This causes the lungs to produce less oxygen, resulting in a reduced amount of oxygen in the blood stream and internal organs. ARDS can be caused by the following:
Sepsis. Sepsis is a widespread infection of the bloodstream caused by bacterial infections, pneumonia, or invasive procedures performed when a person suffers serious injuries. It can be life-threatening.
Inhalation of harmful chemicals. Inhaling vomit or breathing in large amounts of smoke or harmful chemicals can result in developing ARDS.
Pneumonia. When pneumonia is severe a person could develop ARDS.
Head, chest, or other major trauma. Slip and falls, car accidents, and workplace accidents can cause a person to suffer damage to the lungs or to the portion of the brain that controls breathing, severe bleeding, or other complications that can develop into ARDS.
Three Treatments for ARDS
ARDS can develop anywhere from a few hours to days after the serious accident. An accident victim may experience the following symptoms:
Serious shortness of breath
Very rapid and labored breathing
Low blood pressure
Organ failure
Confusion and extreme fatigue
The first goal of the treatment of ARDs is to get more oxygen into the person’s lungs and bloodstream. Treatment for patients suffering from ARDs includes:
Oxygen. If a person is suffering with mild symptoms, he may be given oxygen through a mask that fits over his mouth and nose.
Ventilator. Most people who develop ARDS will need the help of a mechanical ventilator that pushes air into the lungs and helps remove the fluid in the air sacs.
Fluids. Managing the amount of intravenous fluids (IV) is critical because too much fluid can cause more fluid buildup in the lungs and too little fluids can place a strain on the person’s heart and other organs.
Medications. A person suffering with ARDs will be given a variety of drugs, including drugs to prevent and treat infections, to minimize pain, to prevent blood clots in the legs and lungs, and to sedate if necessary.
Even with treatment, many people who develop ARDS will experience long-term lung problems or suffer from additional medical conditions. If you or a family member developed ARDS after a serious accident, call our compassionate and experienced legal team at (727) 345-4566 to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can assist you.
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