Overview
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). Admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) is usually needed when a person has respiratory failure.
What is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a lung problem. It happens when fluid builds up in the lungs, causing breathing failure and low oxygen levels in the blood. ARDS is life-threatening, because it keeps organs like the brain and kidneys from getting the oxygen they need to work.
ARDS occurs most often in people who are being treated for another serious illness or injury. Most of the time, people who get ARDS are already in the hospital for another reason.
This is a very serious condition that causes death in many people. About two-thirds of people who develop ARDS survive.
What causes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
Many things can cause ARDS, such as:
- An infection in the blood (sepsis). This is the most common cause.
- 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.
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.
What are the symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?
The main symptoms are severe shortness of breath and rapid breathing. ARDS can develop quickly.
How is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) treated?
ARDS is treated in the ICU. Treatment is focused on:
- Finding out what caused the problem. If ARDS is caused by an infection, for example, the infection will be treated with antibiotics.
- During recovery in the ICU, the person will get: ?Breathing support. This often includes a ventilator, which is a machine to help the lungs work properly.
- Nutrition support. It may include feeding through a vein or through a tube in the stomach.
- Monitoring (such as X-rays, heart monitoring, and oxygen monitoring).
- Support for the body. This includes things like making sure that the heart, kidneys, and brain have the best chance of recovering.
- Fluids and medicines delivered through an IV (a tube that is attached to a vein).
Some people recover completely from ARDS, but it can take a few years. Others will have long-term health problems such as breathing problems and depression.
It may be scary to see relatives or loved ones surrounded by machines in the ICU. Know that the ICU staff is highly trained to care for people with ARDS. They will do everything they can to help. You can ask them any questions you might have. You can also ask them about counseling and support.