Adult acute respiratory distress syndrome

Adult acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious and life-threatening lung condition where the lungs become severely inflamed and fill with fluid. This makes it very hard for oxygen to pass from the air sacs in the lungs into the bloodstream. ARDS is also sometimes called acute lung injury or 'shock lung.' It is not a disease you are born with — it develops suddenly, usually as a complication of another serious illness or injury. ARDS can be triggered by many things, including severe pneumonia, sepsis (a dangerous body-wide infection), major trauma, inhaling harmful substances, or nearly drowning. When the lungs are injured, they become leaky and stiff, making breathing extremely difficult. Most people with ARDS need to be treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) and require a breathing machine (ventilator) to help them breathe. The main symptoms include severe shortness of breath, low oxygen levels in the blood, rapid breathing, and confusion. Treatment focuses on supporting the body while the lungs heal, using careful ventilator settings, positioning patients face-down (prone positioning), and treating the underlying cause. Some patients recover fully, but others may have lasting lung problems or other complications. Early recognition and expert ICU care are critical to improving survival.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What caused my ARDS, and has that underlying cause been fully treated?,What are my expected lung function and recovery timeline?,Do I need pulmonary rehabilitation, and how do I access it?,What symptoms should prompt me to seek emergency care after discharge?,Are there any long-term medications or oxygen therapy I will need at home?,What mental health support is available for ARDS survivors?,When is it safe to return to work or resume physical activities?

Common questions about Adult acute respiratory distress syndrome