Name a common indication for mechanical ventilation.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a critical condition characterized by sudden and severe lung inflammation, leading to a significant impairment in gas exchange. The primary rationale for using mechanical ventilation in ARDS is to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients whose ability to breathe spontaneously is compromised.

In ARDS, the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs, become filled with fluid and inflammatory debris. This results in decreased lung compliance and increased work of breathing. Mechanical ventilation can help by providing controlled positive pressure to open collapsed alveoli, enhance lung recruitment, and improve oxygenation.

While other conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, and asthma, may also require mechanical ventilation under specific circumstances, ARDS is a well-recognized condition where intervention is often needed due to the acute nature and severity of respiratory failure involved. It is crucial for clinicians to promptly identify ARDS and initiate mechanical ventilation to prevent further complications and improve patient outcomes.