Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an emergency situation in which fluid buildup in the lungs causes breathing failure. Acute respiratory distress syndrome occurs most often in people who are being treated for another serious illness or injury, including infections, trauma, and exposure to toxic chemicals.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is also called adult respiratory distress syndrome, develops rapidly. Symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome include shortness of breath and rapid breathing. Blood tests will show low amounts of oxygen in the blood (hypoxia). Medical care in the intensive care unit (ICU) is usually needed when a person has respiratory failure.
What are the symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
People with ARDS have severe trouble breathing. They feel short of breath and breathe fast.
ARDS can get worse quickly.
How is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) treated?
ARDS is treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). Treatment focuses on getting oxygen to the lungs and other organs and then treating the cause of ARDS.
How is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) diagnosed?
The doctor will diagnose ARDS based on a medical exam and other tests. These tests may include:
- Imaging tests like a chest X-ray or CT scan to look for fluid buildup or pneumonia.
- Tests such as an EKG or echocardiogram, to see if a heart problem is causing the symptoms.
- Blood tests, like an arterial blood gas test, to look at how well the body is getting oxygen.
How can you care for yourself when you have acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
ARDS needs to be treated in a hospital. Recovery can take time. After leaving the hospital, get plenty of rest. Slowly increase your activity level as you start to feel better. Try to stay mentally active. Take your medicines as prescribed.
What other health problems can happen when you have acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
Among people who survive ARDS, some recover completely. But it can take a few years to do so.
Others have long-term health problems, such as:
- Breathing problems, like shortness of breath. For some people, this goes away within 6 months. But for others, breathing problems don't go away.
- Trouble doing day-to-day activities because of weakness and fatigue.
- Depression.
- Problems focusing on tasks and trouble with memory.
What is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious lung problem. Fluid builds up in the lungs, causing breathing failure and low oxygen levels in the blood. ARDS is life-threatening.
What causes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
ARDS can be caused by many things, including:
- An infection in the blood (sepsis).
- A serious injury to the head or chest, or severe bleeding caused by an injury.
- An infection in the lungs (pneumonia).
- Having many blood transfusions.
- Inhaling vomit.
- Breathing toxic fumes or smoke.
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