What does ARDS stand for?

The term ARDS stands for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. This condition is characterized by sudden onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs, which can lead to severe respiratory failure. It is associated with a variety of precipitating factors, including pneumonia, trauma, sepsis, and aspiration of gastric contents, among others.

In ARDS, fluid leaks into the alveoli, impairing gas exchange and resulting in decreased oxygen levels in the bloodstream. Understanding this terminology is crucial for healthcare providers, particularly in critical care and respiratory therapy, as it aids in identifying and managing patients who require mechanical ventilation and other supportive measures.

The other options represent incorrect expansions of the acronym. For instance, Acute Renal Distress Syndrome refers to a completely different condition, which involves the kidneys rather than the lungs. Similarly, Acute Respiratory Dysfunction Syndrome and Acute Regressive Distress Syndrome are not recognized medical terms and do not correspond to established syndromes in medical literature.