Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

A lung swelling caused by a fluid buildup in the small air sacs (also known as alveoli) is called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Moreover, lung swelling damages the protective layer of the alveoli. Thereafter, fluid begins to leak into these tiny air sacs, which prevents the lungs from getting enough air. As a result, the body does not get enough oxygen, which may cause damage to other organs of the body.

ARDS is often diagnosed in people with chronic health conditions or who experience major injuries. The primary symptom of this condition is shortness of breath, which often happens within several hours to days after the trauma or infection that causes ARDS.

Unfortunately, a few people with ARDS survive. Furthermore, the risk of death significantly increases with aging. Only some people who survive recover completely from this condition. Other survivors usually experience permanent lung damage.

Symptoms

The severity of the symptoms is different among people with ARDS. It depends on the exact cause of the disease, the severity of the condition, and existing lung or heart diseases. Check below some symptoms that people with ARDS often experience:

Chest discomfort
Severe shortness of breath
Fast heart rhythms
Confusion
Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
Cough
Rapid breathing

In most cases, people develop ARDS due to a major injury or a chronic health condition. This syndrome is often treated in the hospital. It is advised to go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 in the U.S. if you experience any of the previous symptoms.

Causes

Check below some causes of the acute respiratory distress syndrome:

Sepsis – This is a serious infection of the bloodstream and the most common cause of ARDS.
Severe pneumonia – Those who develop a severe form of pneumonia that negatively affects all five lobes of the lungs may also develop ARDS.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) – This viral infection primarily affects the respiratory system, which significantly increases the risk of developing ARDS.
Head, chest, or other major traumas – For example, accidents such as falls or car crashes that cause lung or brain damage.
Breathing in harmful substances – If you are continuously exposed to a lot of smoke or chemical fumes, you may experience ARDS.
Other conditions and treatments – Sometimes, people develop ARDS due to pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas), multiple blood transfusions, or severe burns.

Risk Factors

Commonly, people who are severely ill and stay in the hospital mostly develop acute respiratory distress syndrome. It is especially true for people with infections (such as pneumonia or sepsis), COVID-19, or certain metabolic syndromes.

Moreover, heavy alcohol drinking, use of recreational drugs, or smoking may also cause damage to the lungs and increase your risk of developing this syndrome.

What Are The Potential Complications of ARDS?

Check below some complications that may occur in people with ARDS while staying in the hospital:

Blood clots – People in the hospital are more likely to develop blood clots, especially in the deep veins of the legs. If a blood clot forms in the veins of the leg, it may break and travel throughout the body. When it reaches the lungs and blocks blood flow, it is called a pulmonary embolism.
Pneumothorax (also called collapsed lung) – Most people with ARDS require a breathing machine (known as a ventilator) that helps remove excess fluid from the lungs. Sometimes, the pressure and air volume of the ventilator may cause the gas to pass through a small hole in the outside of the lung, causing it to collapse.
Infections – The tube that is attached to a ventilator makes it easier for germs to enter the body and cause infections.
Pulmonary fibrosis (also known as scarred and damaged lungs) – This complication happens in almost all people with ARDS in the first several weeks after the syndrome occurs. It causes the lungs to become stiffer, which makes it harder for oxygen to flow to the bloodstream.
Stress ulcers – Excessive acid in the stomach may also cause serious damage to the stomach lining, leading to ulcers.

Other Complications

While some people survive ARDS, they may experience either temporary or permanent complications. These include:

Breathing problems – Almost everyone after ARDS experiences breathing problems. While some people have these problems for the rest of their lives, others may recover within a few months to several years.
Depression – Almost all people after ARDS experience depression. However, there are some options that may treat this mental health problem.
Memory and thinking problems – Prolonged reduced oxygen in the blood may lead to memory loss and learning problems. Unfortunately, some people experience these problems for the rest of their lives.
Muscle weakness and tiredness – While you are in the hospital on a ventilator, you may experience muscle weakness. Therefore, it makes you feel very tired after treatment.

Diagnosis

However, there are no tests that can confirm ARDS. That’s why doctors perform multiple tests to rule out other conditions (such as heart disease) that may cause similar symptoms to ARDS. Check below some tests often involved in ARDS diagnosis:

Imaging tests – Physicians may perform a chest X-ray or a CT (computerized tomography) scan to get detailed images of the lungs. These tests can identify fluid buildup in the lungs and produce detailed images of the heart and lung structures.
Laboratory tests – One of the lab tests performed by doctors is a blood test used to measure the oxygen levels in the blood.
Electrocardiogram – This is a quick test used to measure the electrical activity of the heart.
Echocardiogram – This is an imaging test that uses sound waves to show how the blood flows through the heart chambers and their valves.

Heart tests are often performed to rule out heart conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ARDS.

Treatment

The goal of the treatment is to improve oxygen levels in the blood and recover lung function.

Oxygen

Check below some options that help improve oxygen levels in the bloodstream:

Extra oxygen – This procedure is often recommended for people with mild symptoms. It involves a mask that delivers pure oxygen to the lungs.
Mechanical ventilation – In most cases, people with acute respiratory distress syndrome require this treatment. During this procedure, patients get oxygen directly into the lungs. Furthermore, mechanical ventilation may help remove excess fluid from alveoli.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

This treatment is often prescribed for people with a severe form of ARDS and when other treatments are not effective. It also helps body structures and organs get enough oxygen.

ECMO is a machine that works like the heart and lungs. These artificial organs pump blood from the body through certain tubes to remove carbon dioxide and add oxygen, and then it is returned to the body. Discuss with your healthcare professional before ECMO because this treatment carries multiple health risks.

Fluids

Some people need IV fluids to prevent straining of the heart and other organs. It is often done to prevent shock.

Medicines

The following medications are often prescribed for people with ARDS. For example:

Diuretics to help get rid of excess fluid from the body
Anticoagulants (also called blood-thinners) to prevent the formation of blood clots
Antibiotics (this group of medicines is often prescribed by doctors to treat bacterial infections)
Vasodilators
Vitamin C
Corticosteroids (these medications are recommended to reduce inflammation)

Lung Transplant

When previous treatments do not work, physicians may recommend a lung transplant. However, not everyone with ARDS can have a lung transplant. In most cases, only people who were healthy before ARDS can choose this treatment option.

Home Remedies

The following lifestyle changes and home remedies may help with recovery after ARDS. For example:

Stop smoking (if you face problems with smoking cessation, discuss it with your healthcare provider)
Vaccination – It is advised to get the flu (also called influenza) vaccine every year to prevent serious lung infections (such as pneumonia).
Pulmonary rehabilitation – There are a lot of medical centers that provide pulmonary rehabilitation programs. These often include exercise training, education, counseling, and others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acute respiratory distress syndrome?

This is a serious lung disease that causes reduced oxygen levels in the blood. In most cases, people who develop ARDS are severely ill.

Is ARDS life-threatening?

Yes, this is a serious lung condition that causes fluid to leak into the small air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. Furthermore, the risk of death in people with ARDS is high.

Does ARDS cause permanent damage?

Those who survive ARDS usually experience permanent lung damage. In addition, almost everyone after ARDS experiences memory loss, thinking problems, and other mental health problems. Ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions.