ARDS – Aykai Hospital

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Overview

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a lung injury that happens when fluids build up in small air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. ARDS prevents your lungs from filling up with air and causes dangerously low oxygen levels in your blood (hypoxia). Healthcare providers typically diagnose a person as having mild, moderate or severe respiratory distress syndrome. They determine that level by comparing the level of oxygen in your blood with the amount of oxygen that needs to be given to achieve a healthy blood oxygen level

ARDS prevents other organs such as your brain, heart, kidneys and stomach from getting the oxygen they need to function. ARDS is dangerous and can lead to several serious and life-threatening problems.

ARDS typically happens when a person is in the hospital receiving treatment for an infection, illness or trauma. If you’re not hospitalized and experience symptoms of ARDS, get medical attention immediately.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Symptoms of ARDS depend on the cause and severity of the case, as well as preexisting lung or heart conditions. Symptoms include:

Severe shortness of breath.
Fast and labored breathing.
Rapid heart rate.
Bluish color of fingernails and lips due to low oxygen level in the blood.

What causes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Causes of ARDS include:

Sepsis: Sepsis is the most common cause of ARDS. It can happen when you have a serious infection in your lungs (pneumonia) or other organs with widespread inflammation.
Aspiration pneumonia: Aspiration of stomach contents into your lungs may cause severe lung damage and ARDS. Aspiration is when food, liquid or other substances get into your airway and lungs.
Blood transfusions: You’re at risk for ARDS if you receive more than 15 units of blood in a short period of time.
COVID-19: The COVID-19 virus may develop into severe ARDS.
Pancreatitis: Severe inflammation in your pancreas.
Major trauma or burns: Accidents and falls may directly damage your lungs or other organs in your body and trigger severe inflammation in your lungs.
Inhalational injury: Breathing and exposure to high concentrations of chemical fumes or smoke.
Drug overdose: An overdose on drugs like cocaine and opioids.
Drowning or near drowning:Drowning causes water to get into your lungs.

What tests are done to diagnose acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Chest X-ray to measure fluid in your lungs.
A blood test to measure oxygen levels in your blood and determine the severity of ARDS.
Echocardiogram (ultrasound of your heart) to evaluate heart function.
Electrocardiogram (or EKG) to measure your heart’s electrical activity.
A fingertip sensor (pulse oximetry) for constant monitoring of oxygen levels.
A computed tomography (CT) scan to provide more detailed information about your lungs.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Most people who have ARDS are already in the hospital due to an injury or illness. A healthcare provider is usually already checking on you and monitoring your vital signs. It’s important to share all your symptoms with your providers