What is an acute chest syndrome?

Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a serious pulmonary condition that occurs in individuals with anemia of sickle cells. Acute chest syndrome adversely affects its lung function, it can quickly endanger the life of a person if medical care is missing or delay. Treatment of this potentially fatal complication is generally versatile, including administration of additional oxygen and blood transfusion. Individuals who have recently been diagnosed with secondary infection, especially those that affect the lungs, and those who have undergone recent surgery are considered an increased risk of developing this painful pulmonary condition. In some cases, trauma or impaired circulation may also cause ACS symptoms due to the presence of a blood clot.

individuals with sickle -shaped diseases produce hemoglobins, which adversely affects circulation and can directly affect the pulmonary function. Rigidity and composition of the units of red blood cells cause to hold together and create clots that slow the supply of oxygenatedBlood throughout the body. When the lungs are deprived of oxygenated blood, the lung tissue may suffer damage, resulting in accumulation of fluids, impaired breathing and scarring of tissues. Reduced blood and lung oxygen levels, as occurs in repeated ACS episodes, may lead to permanent lung damage and increased risk of lung hypertension.

Chest X -ray is generally done to confirm the diagnosis of acute chest syndrome. Symptomatic individuals also usually show an increased number of white blood cells due to the presence of infection and lowering platelet levels and hemoglobin. In some cases, a blood culture may be carried out to identify a bacterial presence that caused symptoms. Further testing may also include bronchoscopy and arterial gases of OOD gas.

children and adolescents are considered the greatest risk of developing acute chest syndrome. Adult diagnosisStanded ACS often experiences significant symptoms than younger people. Symptoms of acute chest syndrome will usually include persistent cough, shortness of breath and discomfort on the chest. It is not uncommon for individuals with ACS to develop fever and chills.

Due to the speed at which ACS symptoms can develop and proceed, individuals showing symptoms must strive for immediate medical treatment. ACS often requires hospitalization and requires aggressive administration of antibiotics and analgesic drugs to eliminate infection and relieve pain. Individuals with acute chest syndrome often require additional oxygen to facilitate breathing and intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration. Due to the risk of lung edema, individuals who receive IV fluid must remain under observation.

Blood transfusion generally performs to prevent further lung damage. With regard to the risk of iron accumulation within the system, regular use is carefully monitoredTransfusion therapy to treat repeating episodes of acute chest syndrome. Those who undergo repeated transfusions may require regular chelating therapy to avoid excess iron from their system.