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Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Intestinal Obstruction

Unknown

Symptoms

Causes

Treatments

FAQs

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Unknown

Symptoms

Causes

Treatments

FAQs

Overview

Intestinal Obstruction

Intestinal obstruction occurs when food, fluid or digestive contents cannot move normally through the intestine. The blockage may be partial or complete and can occur in the small or large intestine. It may cause abdominal pain or cramping, swelling, vomiting, constipation and inability to pass gas. A complete obstruction can become a medical emergency because it may damage the intestine.

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.

Symptoms

Shared

None

Only in Left Disease

Blood In Vomit Constipation Lower Abdominal Pain

Only in Right Disease

Chest Pain Coughing Blood Frequent Sweating

Causes

Shared

None

Only in Left Disease

Inflammation

Only in Right Disease

Infection

Diagnosis

Intestinal Obstruction

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical examination and imaging. Healthcare professionals may listen for changes in bowel sounds and examine the abdomen for swelling or tenderness. Abdominal X-rays, CT scans or other imaging tests can help identify the location and cause of a blockage. Blood tests may be used to assess dehydration, infection or other complications.

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.

Prevention

Intestinal Obstruction

Not all intestinal obstructions can be prevented. Reducing the risk involves managing conditions that can cause blockage, following medical advice after abdominal surgery and seeking treatment for hernias or other structural problems when recommended. People with inflammatory bowel disease should follow their treatment plan. Prompt medical attention for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting or inability to pass stool or gas can help prevent complications.

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.

Risk Factors

Intestinal Obstruction

Risk factors include previous abdominal or pelvic surgery, hernias, abdominal or intestinal tumors, inflammatory bowel disease and conditions that can cause abnormal intestinal movement. Older adults may have a higher risk of some forms of obstruction. A history of previous intestinal obstruction also increases the chance of recurrence. Risk varies according to the underlying cause.

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.