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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Unknown
3
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Asthma

Moderate
4
Symptoms
3
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious lung condition in which widespread inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs make it difficult for oxygen to pass into the blood. It can develop rapidly after severe illness or injury and may cause severe breathing difficulty and low blood oxygen levels.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed and can narrow or become more sensitive to triggers. This may cause repeated episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Symptoms can vary over time and may become worse during an asthma attack. Asthma can begin in childhood or adulthood and affects people of all ages.

Symptoms

Shared
Chest Pain Coughing Blood
Only in Left Disease
Frequent Sweating
Only in Right Disease
Chest Tightness Dry Cough

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Infection
Only in Right Disease
Genetics Hormonal Imbalance Stress

Diagnosis

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Diagnosis of ARDS is based on severe breathing difficulty, low blood oxygen levels, clinical history, physical examination, and chest imaging. Chest X-rays or other imaging may show widespread lung abnormalities. Healthcare professionals also evaluate the underlying illness and exclude other causes of lung fluid or respiratory failure.
Asthma
Asthma is diagnosed using the pattern of symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and lung function testing. Spirometry can assess how much air a person can breathe out and how quickly it moves through the airways. Additional testing may be used when the diagnosis is uncertain or to identify allergic or other triggers. Symptoms and lung function are considered together.

Prevention

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
ARDS cannot always be prevented because it can result from severe illness or injury. Prompt treatment of serious infections, careful management of conditions that can lead to severe lung injury, avoiding aspiration when possible, and appropriate medical care after major trauma may reduce risk or severity. Early recognition of worsening breathing problems is important.
Asthma
Asthma cannot always be prevented, but attacks can often be reduced by identifying and avoiding personal triggers and following an individualized treatment plan. Avoiding tobacco smoke, reducing exposure to known allergens or irritants, managing respiratory infections, and taking prescribed medicines as directed can help control symptoms. Regular follow-up is important when symptoms are persistent or changing.

Risk Factors

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Risk is increased by conditions that can severely injure or inflame the lungs, including sepsis, severe pneumonia, major trauma, aspiration, and other serious illnesses. The likelihood of ARDS is also influenced by the severity of the underlying condition and the extent of systemic inflammation.
Asthma
Risk factors include a family history of asthma, allergies, exposure to tobacco smoke, certain workplace chemicals or dusts, repeated viral respiratory infections during childhood, and obesity. The likelihood of asthma may also be influenced by environmental conditions and individual sensitivity to allergens or irritants. Risk factors and triggers differ between people.

Treatment

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Asthma
Treatment comparison will be available soon.