Introduction:
Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (SARS) is a highly contagious, infectious viral disease. Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome initially occurred in China in November 2002. After periodic months, severe acute distress syndrome is disseminated worldwide, carried by unsuspicious travelers. This infection was highly considered a global threat in March 2003. It first appeared in south China and spread to other countries. Among the pneumonia patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome, fever followed by cough is the most common symptom.
What Are the Causes of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome?
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A severe acute respiratory syndrome is caused by the SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
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Coronaviruses are the evolved form of one or more animal viruses that are formed into a new strain commonly involved in affecting humans.
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Coronaviruses may severely affect animals and cause diseases. Therefore, scientists report that severe acute respiratory syndrome viruses may be transferred from animals to humans.
How Do Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Viruses Spread?
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The main mode of disease transmission is through droplets that spread in the air when the person sneezes or coughs.
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It also spreads by touching contaminated objects or surfaces such as elevator buttons, telephones, and door handles.
What Are the Symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome?
Symptoms of the severe acute respiratory syndrome are similar to symptoms of flu which include:
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Chills.
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Muscle ache.
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Fever of 100.5 Fahrenheit or higher.
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Dry cough.
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Shortness of breath.
Severe acute respiratory distress syndrome is a severe condition that can lead to death. In case of patients having manifestations of respiratory diseases such as flu-like signs and symptoms with fever after traveling overseas, consult with the healthcare providers immediately.
What Are the Risk Factors for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome?
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People in direct contact with infected people, such as family members and health care workers, are at higher risk for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.
What Are the Complications of Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
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In severe cases, this may be highly fatal due to respiratory failure.
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People infected with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome may also develop pneumonia and other respiratory problems requiring a mechanical ventilator.
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Other complications caused by severe acute respiratory distress syndrome may include liver and heart failure.
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The older age group of people older than 60 years with underlying medical conditions such as hepatitis or diabetes are at higher risk of developing severe complications.
How Can It Be Prevented?
Several types of vaccines are under research, but none are tested in humans. People who are taking care of infected persons can follow these guidelines:
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Wear Disposable Gloves-
Wear disposable gloves when contacting an infected person’s feces or body fluids. After using gloves, immediately throw them away and wash the hands thoroughly.
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Hand Wash-
Washing hands is an essential step in preventing severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. Using alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60 % alcohol content is very effective. Frequent cleaning of hands with hot water and soap is recommended.
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Wear a Surgical Mask-
When the family members are affected or while taking care of patients infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome, covering up the nose and mouth with a surgical mask is very important. Wearing eyeglasses to cover up eyes is often recommended to protect eyes from infection.
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Wash Personal Items-
Things such as towels, utensils, clothes, and bedding essentials used by people with severe acute respiratory syndrome should be washed with hot water and disinfectant soaps. Do not share food, utensils, or drinks with infected persons.
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Disinfect Surfaces-
Complete cleaning of the area with disinfectant products is necessary to maintain good hygiene and prevent spreading infections. EPA-approved disinfectants are used to clean the places contaminated with an infected person's mucus, saliva, vomit, sweat, urine, or stool.
All the instructions should be strictly followed even after the symptoms disappear entirely. For example, children are kept at home securely and not allowed to school if they develop fever or flu symptoms within days of someone being exposed to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.
How to Diagnose Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome?
No specific tests were available earlier when this severe infectious disease first appeared.
At present, several laboratory tests are available that help in detecting the virus. Various tests are included in the diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome.
Imaging Techniques:
The radiological findings of pneumonia patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome vary. Most people present with bilateral lung and multi-lobe involvement were also seen.
Computed Tomography Scan:
The chest computed tomography scan reveals a typical presentation of ground-glass opacities in most cases. However, no discrete nodules, pleural effusion, lymphadenopathy, or cavitation are observed.
What Is the Epidemiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome?
The severity of illness is considered to be milder in younger people. Earlier the death rate was around 9 % to 12 % and more than 50 % in older groups older than 65. In older people, many more become sick, require breathing assistance, and admission to intensive care units. Public health policies are put forward to control severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreaks. Therefore since 2004, there have been no cases reported anywhere in the world.
How to Treat Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome?
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Patients with the severe acute respiratory syndrome should immediately consult a healthcare provider. Once confirmed, the patient should immediately be isolated in the hospital to prevent further complications.
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Oxygen therapy, chest therapy, and mechanical ventilation are provided if required in the case of breathing difficulty.
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Antibiotic therapy is recommended to treat associated infections that arise due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
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In the case of bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics are strictly followed.
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Steroids are administered to reduce swelling in the lungs.
Conclusion:
A severe acute respiratory syndrome is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease. Other than respiratory complications, kidney, liver, and heart complications are seen due to the progression and complications of the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to consult the doctor immediately if symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain are present. The efficacy of antiviral therapy and vaccinations are under development and evaluation. Implementing infection control and preventive measures helps to control the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome among the human population.
