Human ARDS, or acute respiratory distress syndrome, is a severe lung condition that can lead to respiratory failure. The spelling of this term is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription, which allows for a more accurate representation of the sounds in the word. "Human" is pronounced as "ˈhjuːmən," with stress on the first syllable. "ARDS" is pronounced as "ˈærds," with stress on the second syllable. Correct spelling of medical terms is crucial for accurate communication between healthcare professionals and patients.
Human Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe and life-threatening form of respiratory failure characterized by the sudden onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs. It is a clinical syndrome primarily impacting the respiratory system and is often seen as a complication in individuals with an underlying health condition or as a result of severe injury or infection.
ARDS is typically caused by damage to the delicate capillary walls in the lungs due to direct injury or indirect injury through systemic inflammation. This damage results in increased permeability of the capillaries, leading to the leakage of fluid and proteins into the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange. The accumulation of fluid leads to impaired oxygenation, reduced lung compliance, and severe breathing difficulty.
Symptoms commonly observed in patients with ARDS include rapid and shallow breathing, severe shortness of breath, low blood oxygen levels, and lung infiltrates visible on chest x-rays. The condition often necessitates mechanical ventilation to assist with breathing and maintain oxygenation.
Treatment of human ARDS usually involves addressing the underlying cause and providing supportive care to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation. This may include the administration of supplemental oxygen, the use of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to keep the airways open, and medications to reduce inflammation or manage complications.
Human ARDS carries a significant mortality risk, particularly in cases where the underlying cause is severe or in individuals with pre-existing health conditions. The management and outcome of ARDS can vary depending on the promptness of intervention and the overall health status of the patient.
The term "ARDS" is an abbreviation for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
"Acute" refers to the sudden onset of the condition, "Respiratory" refers to the involvement of the respiratory system, and "Distress Syndrome" describes the abnormal and severe impairment of lung function.
The term "Human ARDS" simply specifies that the condition is being referred to in humans, as there are similar forms of ARDS that can affect other animals, such as animals in veterinary medicine.