Acute respiratory distress syndrome Flashcards
What are the three types of cells in the alveoli?
Type 1 - thin and have a large surface area for gas exchange
Type 2 - secrete and make surfactant
alveolar macrophages
What is acute respiratory distress syndrome?
A non-cariogenic pulmonary oedema and diffuse lung inflammation.
What are the non cariogenic causes?
Sepsis aspiration inhalation injury trauma pancreatitis disseminated intravascular coagulation drug overdose inhalation of substances infections
What are the signs and symptoms?
Dyspnoea Tachypnoea Confusion Presyncope Bibasal crackles
acute respiratory failure which DOESNT get better on supplemental oxygen alone.
What is pulmonary oedema?
A build up of fluid in the interstitial space between the capillaries and the alveoli.
This space should usually be filled with proteins.
What is the treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome?
Intensive care
Ventilatory support (low tidal volume has the best outcome)
Haemodynamic support (maintain arterial blood pressure)
Antibiotics (only if infection is the cause)
For haemodynamic support what must the arterial pressure be maintained above?
Above 60mmHg.
