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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. Most people will be under care in a hospital. It can cause death.
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Causes
ARDS is caused by small blood vessels that leak fluid into the small air sacs of the lungs. The fluid in the sacs blocks oxygen from passing into the body.
ARDS may be caused by direct injury.
This can happen in people with:
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis of the lungs
- Breathing regurgitated stomach matter
- A bruise of the lung
- Near-drowning
- Breathing smoke or certain chemicals
- Respiratory syncytial virus
Other indirect injuries that may lead to ARDS are:
- Sepsis
- Severe injury, such as a heavy blow to the chest
- Burn
- Swelling of the pancreas
- Drug overdose
- A large blood transfusion
Risk Factors
The health problems above raise your risk of ARDS.
Other things that may raise your risk are:
- Smoking
- Lung disease
- Alcohol abuse
Symptoms
Signs often start within 24 to 48 hours. They will also worsen with time. It may happen slowly or quickly.
You may have:
- Problems breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Signs of infection, such as fever or chills
- Bluish skin or fingernail color
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Confusion
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. An exam will be done. If you can’t tell the doctor how you feel, then symptoms and test results will be used.
You will have blood tests. They will look for low oxygen levels, infection, and signs of
heart failure
.
Pictures will be taken of your chest. This can be done with:
- Chest x-ray
- Echocardiography
- CT scan of chest
Treatment
If you are able, talk with the doctor about the best plan for you. The goals are to:
- Treat the cause
- Help you breathe
Options to help you breathe are:
- Mechanical ventilation —a machine that helps you breathe; air may be delivered through a tube placed in the windpipe or through an opening made in the neck
- Non-invasive mask mechanical ventilation—a mask that goes over the mouth and nose and is held in place with straps
- Oxygen therapy —delivered through a face mask or tube that sits under the nose
- Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECM)—advanced breathing and heart support (not as common)
Medicines may be used to relax you during these treatments. Oxygen and fluid levels will also be watched closely.
RESOURCES
American Lung Association
http://www.lung.org
http://www.lung.org
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
https://www.canada.ca
The Lung Association
http://www.lung.ca
http://www.lung.ca
References
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113803/Acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome-ARDS
. Updated July 19, 2018. Accessed August 28, 2018.
Bosma KJ, Lewis JF. Emerging therapies for treatment of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Expert Opin Emgerg Drugs. 2007;12(3): 461-477.
Explore ARDS. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Ards/Ards%5FWhoIsAtRisk.html. Accessed August 28, 2018.
Jain R, DaiNogare A. Pharmacological therapy for acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Mayo Clin Proc. 2006;81(2):205-212.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 05/2018
- Update Date: 08/28/2018
