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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Emergency
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.
Body System
Respiratory System
Emergency Medical Attention
Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a medical emergency requiring hospital treatment. Seek emergency medical care for severe difficulty breathing, rapidly worsening breathlessness, bluish or gray skin or lips, confusion, extreme drowsiness, or inability to maintain adequate oxygenation.
Symptoms
3
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
5
Overview
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 3
Chest Pain
Coughing Blood
Frequent Sweating
Causes 1
ARDS can develop when a serious illness or injury causes widespread inflammation and damage in the lungs. Common triggers include severe infections such as sepsis or pneumonia, major trauma, aspiration of stomach contents, and other conditions that injure lung tissue. The resulting inflammation increases leakage of fluid into the air sacs and interferes with oxygen exchange.
Infection
Risk Factors
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.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
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
Key Prevention Tips
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
Prevention Guidance
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.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 5
Recommended Foods
Boiled Rice
Easy to digest.
Khichdi
Provides nutrition without stressing digestion.
Bananas
Gentle on the digestive system.
Curd
May support gut health.
Soup
Provides fluids and nutrients.
Foods to Avoid
Street Food
May contain contamination.
Spicy Foods
May irritate the digestive tract.
Fried Foods
Can delay recovery.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi.
It spreads through contaminated food and water.
Fever, weakness, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite are common symptoms.
Yes, safe food, clean water, and vaccination help prevent typhoid.
Antibiotics and adequate hydration are commonly used.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.