Dietary Treatment

Some ARDS patients have to have to have breathing tubes put in place, which helps them to breathe. This makes it impossible for them to eat the usual way because the tube is placed inside their nose or mouth. When breathing tubes are in place, patients must be fed through a feeding tube placed through the nose and into the stomach. If this does not work, feeding is done through a vein. Below is a picture of a Nasogastric feeding tube that ARDS patients may have to use.

Selecting a tube feeding lower in carbohydrates with adequate protein and fat composition can reduce carbon dioxide levels, maintain a positive nitrogen balance, and reduce muscle breakdown. Other nutrients involved in the prevention of disease and healing include amino acids, fatty acids, trace minerals, and antioxidants
  Image: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/210472982559245526/

tients with ARDS have increased protein requirements because of the rapid protein turnover known to occur in hypermetabolic states - See more at: http://www.rtmagazine.com/2007/02/nutritional-management-of-ventilated-patients/#sthash.cumCnabh.dpuf

tients with ARDS have increased protein requirements because of the rapid protein turnover known to occur in hypermetabolic states - See more at: http://www.rtmagazine.com/2007/02/nutritional-management-of-ventilated-patients/#sthash.cumCnabh.dpuf

tients with ARDS have increased protein requirements because of the rapid protein turnover known to occur in hypermetabolic states - See more at: http://www.rtmagazine.com/2007/02/nutritional-management-of-ventilated-patients/#sthash.cumCnabh.dpu

To improve the respiratory and mental state of a patient, the protein intake should be increased. Protein can help with reducing carbon dioxide levels in the blood, stimulating protein synthesis, preventing muscle atrophy, and maintaining lung strength.

• Increase protein intake Protein:  1.5–2 g/ kg (normal protein intake is 1.2-1.7 g/kg)

 

Monitor fluid intake – Because the alveoli in the lungs are already filled with fluid, an ARDS patient needs to be very careful about how much fluid they are consuming. Too much fluid in the body can lead to build up in the lungs. However, too little fluid can cause the organs and heart to become strained.

Studies have also shown that patients who take dietary fish oil with EPA and enhanced levels of antioxidant vitamins have improved clinical outcomes. The chart below displays different nutrients that are beneficial to the respiratory system.

Nutrients	Benefits
Vitamin C (fruits, leafy greens)	May alleviate inflammation in your respiratory system
Omega-3 fats (salmon, supplements)	May improve breathing difficulty
Probiotics (yogurt, cultured milk)	May prevent respiratory infections

                               Chart from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/351464-foods-that-help-the-respiratory-system/

      References: http://www.khsanantonio.com/uploadedFiles/Hosp_-_khsanantoniocom/About_Us/Content/Nutrition%20for%20Respiratory%20Disease.pd, https://books.google.com/books?id=S5oCjZZZ1ggC&pg=PA1466&lpg=PA1466&dq=how+much+fluid+intake+should+an+ards+patient+consume&source=bl&ots=2xLIzWjFAu&sig=ezJHtETHoW25aAd6PAs372cWvl4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjD96Twm7nJAhWNLYgKHSeiD5YQ6AEINDAD#v=onepage&q=how%20much%20fluid%20intake%20should%20an%20ards%20patient%20consume&f=false