Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

ARDS usually follows severe illness or injury and is not a label for every episode of breathlessness. Oxygen transfer is impaired, sometimes beyond what simple oxygen support can correct.

Related reading: Pneumonia as a cause of respiratory deterioration.

Rapidly worsening breathlessness, fast breathing and low oxygen may occur, with confusion or exhaustion. Other symptoms depend on the underlying infection or injury.

Triggers include severe pneumonia, sepsis, aspiration of stomach contents or major trauma. It can develop rapidly after the precipitating event.

Sepsis, pneumonia and major injuries are important risks, while prior illnesses can affect severity. Assessment considers the complete clinical picture.

Diagnosis combines oxygen measurements, blood gases, chest imaging, history and examination. Cardiac and other causes of lung fluid are assessed; a home oximeter alone cannot diagnose ARDS.

Care treats the cause and supports oxygenation. Lung-protective ventilation and supervised prone positioning may be needed. Intensive-care teams select medicines or extracorporeal support for appropriate cases.

Organ injury, intensive-care infections, muscle weakness and psychological difficulties may complicate recovery. Rehabilitation and respiratory follow-up may be needed, with recovery time varying.

Prompt infection care, aspiration prevention and avoiding smoking can reduce some risks. No home method guarantees prevention or treats established ARDS.