At Manipal Hospitals, ARDS patients are admitted to the intensive care unit for monitoring and supportive care. Since ARDS disrupts oxygen exchange in the lungs, treatment focuses on maintaining an adequate oxygen supply to the rest of the body. It also focuses on treating the underlying disease.
Some patients require supplementary oxygen, and many need mechanical ventilation to support breathing. Mechanical ventilation is provided by a ventilator that delivers oxygen and supports breathing until the lungs begin to recover. When needed, doctors and support staff carefully adjust the ventilator settings to minimise further lung injury and optimise the oxygen delivery.
Apart from respiratory support, treatment also involves management of the underlying cause of ARDS, such as severe infection, sepsis, or trauma. Intravenous fluids, medications and other supportive care may be administered to patients to stabilise their condition. The medical team monitors organ function, blood oxygen levels, and fluid balance.
Patients recover from ARDS at varying rates. Some patients recover within a few weeks, while others may need prolonged stays in the intensive care unit. Early diagnosis, treatment, and careful monitoring help improve a patient's chances of survival and recovery.
