Patient Testimonial for Lung-Protective Ventilation

Aspiration pneumonia is a condition in which fluid from the stomach aspirates into the lungs, causing lung disorders such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

ARDS is an inflammatory lung injury in which the fluid-filled alveoli leave less room for air, resulting in hypoxemia and dangerously low blood oxygen levels. Oxygen deprivation affects vital organs like the brain, heart, kidneys, and stomach, which can have catastrophic consequences and could be fatal.

Tests like chest x-rays, blood tests, echocardiograms, and CT scans are used to diagnose ARDS.

The doctors treat ARDS by addressing the underlying cause of the disease. The patient is admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). To help the patient breathe, mechanical ventilation or a fitting face mask may be used. To manage pain, the patient is given sedation and to avoid clots, blood thinners are used. Stomach ulcers brought on by stress are reduced.

Depending on the severity of the condition, each patient’s ARDS recovery may be different. While some people may fully recover, others may experience chronic lung issues and post-intensive care syndrome, which includes physical deterioration, anxiety, and despair. These can be treated with medications recommended by doctors.

Mr. Shankar from Nizamabad, underwent treatment for Aspiration Pneumonia with Severe ARDS, under the supervision of Dr. Durgesh J Satalkar, Consultant Intensivist (Critical Care), Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.