Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

What Is ARDS?

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a serious lung condition that occurs when inflammatory fluid builds up in the tiny air sacs of the lungs (alveoli), making it hard for oxygen to get into the bloodstream. This can lead to organ failure and is considered a medical emergency.

Who Is Affected?

ARDS can affect anyone, including children, but is most common in adults who are critically ill or have major injuries. It often develops in hospitalized patients, especially those in intensive care units.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors?

ARDS typically results from other health issues or major trauma. The initial injury triggers widespread inflammation in the lungs.

Not Controllable

• Sepsis (a serious bloodstream infection)
• Severe pneumonia including aspiration events
• COVID-19, influenza or other viral infections
• Major trauma or head injury
• Pancreatitis
• Near-drowning
• Inhalation of harmful substances (like smoke or chemicals)
  
  

Controllable

• Smoking or vaping
• Alcohol abuse
• Poorly managed chronic health conditions
  
  

Who Is Most at Risk?

• People with a history of smoking or lung disease
• Individuals with serious infections or trauma
• Hospitalized patients on ventilators
• Older adults or those with weakened immune systems
  
  

What Steps Can You Take to Reduce Your Risk?

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke
• Limit alcohol use
• Stay current on vaccinations
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease
• Seek timely treatment for infections or injuries

What Are the Signs & Symptoms?

ARDS symptoms develop quickly—often within hours or days—and may include:

• Severe shortness of breath
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Low blood oxygen levels
• Coughing, sometimes with frothy or pink sputum
• Bluish skin or lips (cyanosis)
• Confusion or extreme fatigue
• Rapid heart rate and low blood pressure in severe cases

How Is ARDS Diagnosed?

Diagnosing ARDS involves ruling out other conditions while confirming the presence of inflammatory fluid in the lungs and low oxygen levels.

What Tests Are Used?

• Chest X-ray or CT scan: Detects fluid buildup and lung damage
• Blood tests: Identify infections or underlying causes
• Pulse oximetry: Checks oxygen saturation levels
• Arterial blood gases (ABGs): Confirms how well lungs exchange gases
• Echocardiogram: Rules out heart-related causes of symptoms

How Is ARDS Treated?

ARDS treatment focuses on supporting breathing and addressing the root cause of the condition.

Lifestyle

• Stop smoking and avoid lung irritants during recovery
• Follow a high-protein, high-calorie diet if malnourished
• Engage in pulmonary rehabilitation when medically appropriate
  
  

Devices

• Mechanical ventilation (breathing machine) to support oxygen intake
• High-flow oxygen therapy or CPAP in milder cases
• Prone positioning (lying on the stomach) to improve oxygenation
  
  

Medical

• Antibiotics or antivirals for underlying infections
• Sedatives or pain relievers for comfort
• Diuretics to reduce fluid buildup
• Medications to support blood pressure or treat inflammation
  
  

Surgical

• Surgery is not a common treatment for ARDS itself but may be needed to address the underlying cause, such as draining an abscess or repairing trauma
  
  

Other

• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in severe cases to provide oxygen when mechanical ventilation fails
• Physical therapy to regain strength during recovery

When to Seek Care for the Condition

When to See Your Doctor

• If you or someone you know is struggling to breathe
• After a major trauma or illness with respiratory symptoms
• When a lung infection worsens despite treatment
  
  

When to Seek Emergent Medical Care

• Severe shortness of breath or inability to breathe
• Bluish lips, face, or fingertips
• Sudden confusion or fainting
• Chest pain or extremely low blood pressure
  
  

What Should You Do Next?

If you are recovering from an illness or injury and notice breathing problems, don’t delay care. Early diagnosis and treatment of ARDS can improve outcomes. Always follow your care team’s instructions during and after hospitalization to prevent complications.