Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs when fluid builds up in the tiny, elastic air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. The fluid keeps your lungs from filling with enough air, which means less oxygen reaches your bloodstream. This deprives your organs of the oxygen they need to function. ARDS typically occurs in people who are already critically ill or who have significant injuries. Severe shortness of breath — the main symptom of ARDS — usually develops within a few hours to a few days after the precipitating injury or infection.
Early intervention is crucial to prevent serious health complications.
Symptoms

Difficulty breathing

  • Rapidly developing

common

Abnormally rapid breathing

common

Bluish discoloration of the skin

  • Lips, In hand, Fingernails, In feet

common

Rapid heart rate

or Irregular heartbeat

common

Confusion

common

Fatigue

or Feeling sleepy

common

Anxiety

or Feeling agitated

common

Excessive sweating

Fainting

Risk factors

Inhalation injuries other than smoke

or Smoke Inhalation

or Recent chest injury or trauma

or Aspiration

or Sepsis

or Recent blood transfusion

  • Massive Blood Transfusion

or Acute pancreatitis

or Infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs

Smoking

Treatment
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is treated in hospital, usually in an intensive care unit (ICU). Treatment usually include: 1-Oxygen, which the patient breathes in using a mask. 2-Mechanical ventilation, where a machine is used to deliver a steady volume and rate of breaths. 3-Medicines, such as antibiotics to treat infection. 4-Fluids given through a vein.
Recommended specialist

If you have Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, then a visit to a pulmonologist as soon as possible.

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