[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome\/","headline":"What Is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)?","name":"What Is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)?","description":"Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), as well as who is most at risk for this condition.","datePublished":"2017-10-16","dateModified":"2018-08-29","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/102017BLG_ARDSMIDDLEAGEMAN.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/102017BLG_ARDSMIDDLEAGEMAN.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome\/","about":["Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":387,"keywords":["acute respiratory distress","lungs","respiratory condition"],"articleBody":"Imagine the feeling of not being able to catch your breath.Acute respiratory distress is an urgent medical condition \u2014 and often is life threatening. So, it’s critical to recognize the symptoms and seek help immediately.For more information about acute respiratory distress syndrome, visit Pulmonary and Respiratory Services at UPMC or call 412-648-6161.What Is Acute Respiratory Distress?Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a serious condition that prevents your lungs from functioning properly, occurs when excess fluid enters your lungs. The fluid prevents oxygen from traveling to your other internal organs, which can lead to organ failure.People hospitalized for other illnesses or injuries are most likely to develop ARDS. Because it is a life-threatening condition, immediate treatment for ARDS is critical.Who Is at Risk for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?In the majority of cases, ARDS develops while someone is being treated for another condition. It typically follows an infection, illness, or injury, though this is not always the case.Common factors that can increase your risk of developing ARDS include:A severe infection, such as sepsisBreathing in toxic chemicals or smokePneumoniaDrug overdoseSevere injuries from an accidentIf you are age 65 or older, smoke, or have a history of alcoholism, you are more likely to develop ARDS.Symptoms of Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeBecause ARDS is life threatening, it is important to call 911 right away if someone shows any of these symptoms:.Shortness of breath and difficulty breathingLow blood pressureFatigue and confusionSweating, often the result of a feverSkin and nails turning blueTreatment for Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeIn most cases, people who have contracted ARDS are in the hospital receiving treatment for another condition so treatment can start as soon as symptoms appear.If you experience acute respiratory distress, your doctor will work to increase your oxygen levels, typically through an oxygen mask or a ventilator.Your care team will monitor your fluid levels to support organ function.Oxygen treatment for ARDS must continue until all excess fluid leaves your lungs and you are strong enough to breathe on your own again.Treatment also may include medicines to manage pain, treat infection, or prevent blood clots from entering your lungs. Some people who have suffered from ARDS also may undergo physical therapy or rehabilitation. "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/10\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What Is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/acute-respiratory-distress-syndrome\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]