Drowning Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Drowning is still one of the leading causes of accidental deaths worldwide while Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is the main component of drowning pathophysiology. During drowning which often leads to aspiration, pneumonitis may develop an inflammatory response and release of inflammatory mediators and activation of immune-mediated responses. This cascade of events causes the development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, (ARDS).
Case: We received a case of a male patient in the emergency room having a history of an accidental fall in the well and drowning for 5 minutes. When rescued he was conscious and after an hour, he developed a cough and breathlessness. On arrival, his routine clinical examination and laboratory and radiological investigation were performed and in view of Acute Respiratory failure patient was shifted to the intensive care unit for further management. As per his chest radiogram with clinical signs of hypoxia, he immediately required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation.
Result and Conclusion: Appropriate invasive mechanical ventilation and sound intensive care with judicial use of antibiotics can benefit such cases of drowning and ARDS.

How to cite this article:
Deshpande S, Thakkar V. Drowning Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): A Case Report. Int J HealthCare Edu & Med Inform. 2022; 9(3&4): 12-15.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.9199.202206