Acute respiratory distress syndrome (patient information)
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome |
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Where to find medical care for Acute respiratory distress syndrome? |
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome On the Web |
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Directions to Hospitals Treating Acute respiratory distress syndrome |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Acute respiratory distress syndrome |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Mohammed A. Sbeih, M.D.[2] Phone:617-849-2629
Overview
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung Acute respiratory distress syndrome that prevents enough oxygen from getting into the blood.
==What causes Acute respiratory distress syndrome? ARDS can be caused by any major swelling (inflammation) or injury to the lung. Some common causes include:
- Breathing vomit into the lungs (aspiration)
- Inhaling chemicals
- Pneumonia
- Septic shock
- Trauma
ARDS leads to a buildup of fluid in the air sacs. This fluid prevents enough oxygen from passing into the bloodstream.
The fluid buildup also makes the lungs heavy and stiff, and decreases the lungs' ability to expand. The level of oxygen in the blood can stay dangerously low, even if the person receives oxygen from a breathing machine (mechanical ventilator) through a breathing tube (endotracheal tube). ARDS often occurs along with the failure of other organ systems, such as the liver or the kidneys. Cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol use may be risk factors.
What are the symptoms of Acute respiratory distress syndrome?
- Labored, rapid breathing
- Low blood pressure and organ failure
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms usually develop within 24 to 48 hours of the original injury or illness. Often, people with ARDS are so sick they are unable to complain of symptoms.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Usually, ARDS occurs during another illness, for which the patient is already in the hospital. Occasionally, a healthy person may develop severe pneumonia that gets worse and becomes ARDS. If you have trouble breathing, call your local emergency number (such as 911) or go to the emergency room.
Diagnosis
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Acute respiratory distress syndrome?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Acute respiratory distress syndrome