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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

(ARDS; Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome; Non-cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema)

Definition

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a form of severe lung damage. It happens in people who are very ill or hurt. It can be deadly.

ARDS.

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Causes

ARDS happens when small blood vessels leak fluid into the small air sacs of the lungs. The fluid in the sacs blocks oxygen from passing into the body. The leaking may be caused by:
  • Infection
  • Injury
  • Swelling

Direct injuries that may lead to ARDS are:

  • Pneumonia
  • Sepsis of the lungs
  • Breathing regurgitated stomach matter
  • A bruise of the lung
  • Near-drowning
  • Breathing smoke or certain chemicals
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Indirect injuries that may lead to ARDS are:

Risk Factors

The health problems above raise the risk of ARDS.

Other things that may raise the risk are:

Symptoms

Symptoms may start slowly or all at once. A person may have:

  • Problems breathing
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
  • Bluish skin or fingernail color
  • Coughing
  • Chest pain
  • Confusion

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

Blood tests will be done to look for:

Pictures will be taken of the chest. This can be done with:

Treatment

The underlying cause will be treated.

The goal of treatment is to help a person breathe. This may be done with:

  • Mechanical ventilation—a machine moves air in and out of the lungs
  • Non-invasive mask mechanical ventilation—a mask delivers air from a ventilator to the lungs
  • Oxygen therapy—a mask or tube delivers oxygen through the nose
  • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)—advanced breathing and heart support (not as common)

Prevention

ARDS cannot be prevented.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome-ards.
  • Meyer, N.J., Gattinoni, L., et al. Acute respiratory distress syndrome. Lancet, 2021; 398 (10300): 622-637.
  • What is acute respiratory distress syndrome? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ards.

Contributors

  • James P. Cornell, MD
Last Updated:
2023-03-28

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.