Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Signs, Causes, and Emergency Care
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung condition in which the lungs are unable to supply enough oxygen to meet the body’s needs. ARDS can affect individuals of any age and most often develops as a serious complication of another illness or injury. In many cases, individuals are already hospitalized when symptoms appear, but ARDS can also develop rapidly outside a healthcare setting.
Signs and Symptoms of ARDS
Symptoms of ARDS usually develop quickly and worsen over hours to days. Common signs include:
- Severe shortness of breath
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Extreme fatigue or drowsiness
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
Although ARDS often develops in hospital, it can occur suddenly following infections such as pneumonia or after accidental inhalation of vomit, smoke, or chemicals. Any sudden breathing difficulty in an adult or child is a medical emergency and requires immediate assistance.
What Causes Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
ARDS develops when the lungs become severely inflamed due to injury or infection. This inflammation allows fluid from nearby blood vessels to leak into the tiny air sacs (alveoli), preventing proper oxygen exchange.
Common causes include:
- Severe pneumonia or influenza
- Blood poisoning (sepsis)
- Major chest trauma
- Near-drowning incidents
- Inhalation of smoke, vomit, or toxic fumes
- Serious reactions to blood transfusions
- Acute pancreatitis
How Is ARDS Managed?
Individuals with ARDS require urgent hospitalization, typically in an intensive care unit (ICU).
Treatment commonly includes:
- Mechanical ventilation to support breathing
- Supplemental oxygen via mask in milder cases
- Insertion of a breathing tube for severe respiratory failure
- Nutritional and fluid support through feeding tubes
- Treatment of the underlying cause (e.g., antibiotics for infection)
Recovery time varies. Some individuals improve within days, while others require weeks or months of intensive medical support. Long-term recovery may involve physical rehabilitation due to muscle weakness and reduced lung function.
Why Early Recognition Matters
ARDS has a high mortality rate if not treated promptly. Early recognition of breathing distress and rapid activation of emergency medical services can significantly improve outcomes—especially in community, workplace, and home settings.
Educational Notice & First Aid Relevance
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Recognizing respiratory distress, understanding when to call emergency services, and providing immediate support until help arrives are essential skills taught in Canadian first aid and CPR training programs.