ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome): Symptoms & Signs

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) refers to a condition of the lungs that results in low oxygen levels in the blood. ARDS is a serious condition and can be life threatening. It usually occurs in people who are hospitalized for other reasons. Some common conditions and factors that cause ARDS are pneumonia, sepsis, trauma with severe bleeding, breathing in harmful fumes or smoke, and inhaling stomach contents that have been vomited (known as aspiration).

Signs and symptoms of ARDS are rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and a low blood oxygen level. Other associated symptoms and signs depend on the cause of the condition and can include fever, fatigue, weakness, headache, bluish discoloration of the skin (cyanosis), fast pulse, headache, and low blood pressure.

Other ards symptoms and signs

• Confusion
• Cough
• Cyanosis (Bluish Nails or Lips)
• Dizziness
• Exhaustion (Tiredness)
• Fever
• Headache
• Low Blood Pressure
• Muscle Weakness
• Profuse Sweating
• Rapid Breathing
• Shortness of Breath

symptomchecker

Health concerns on your mind?
Click here to visit our Symptom Checker.

QUESTION

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the same as adult-onset asthma. See Answer