Respiratory Distress Management

Human cells are primarily reliant on aerobic metabolism. Therefore, it is of vital importance to efficiently obtain oxygen from the environment and bring it to the tissues, while excreting the by-product of cellular respiration (carbon dioxide). Respiration involves both the respiratory and circulatory systems. There are 4 processes that supply the body with O2 and dispose of CO2. The respiratory system is involved in pulmonary ventilation and external respiration, while the circulatory system is responsible for transport and internal respiration. Pulmonary ventilation (breathing) represents movement of air into and out of the lungs. External respiration is represented by the O2 and CO2 exchange between the lungs and the blood.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is characterized by the sudden onset of hypoxemia and bilateral pulmonary edema without cardiac failure. Sepsis is the most common cause of ARDS. The underlying mechanism and histologic correlate is diffuse alveolar damage (DAD). Diffuse alveolar damage involves damage to the endothelial and alveolar epithelial cells and is associated with inflammation and the development of hyaline membranes lining the inner alveolar walls. The reparative stage follows after weeks, with fibrosis possibly occurring later. Clinically, the following triad of findings favors a diagnosis of ARDS: acute or rapidly progressive dyspnea, hypoxic respiratory failure (partial pressure of O2/fraction of inspired O2 ratio < 300 mm Hg), and bilateral alveolar opacities on chest imaging. Management involves determination and treatment of the cause while providing adequate oxygen, reducing further lung damage, and avoiding fluid overload. Most patients require mechanical ventilation. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with high mortality or long-term complications potentially developing even after treatment.

Respiratory failure is a syndrome that develops when the respiratory system is unable to maintain oxygenation and/or ventilation. Respiratory failure may be acute or chronic and is classified as hypoxemic, hypercapnic, or a combination of the two. A number of etiologies exist, including diseases of the lungs, cardiovascular, and nervous system. Patients with respiratory failure may present with dyspnea, tachypnea, and altered mentation. The diagnosis is made with arterial blood gas and supplemented with laboratory and imaging studies to elicit an etiology. Management involves treating the underlying cause, supplemental oxygen administration, and mechanical ventilation for severe cases.

COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus disease, is a respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV 2). Transmission mainly occurs via direct contact or aerosol droplets. The disease may present asymptomatically or with fever and dry cough.