Is ARDS realted to fever, high pulse rate and respiratory rate. What is it? the outcome?

Answer 1

ARDS is known as acute respiratory distress syndrome, or adult respiratory distress syndrome.

It is Acute lung injury characterized by coughing and rales; inflammation of the lungs which become stiff and fibrous and cannot exchange oxygen; occurs among persons exposed to irritants such as corrosive chemical vapours or ammonia or chlorine etc.

Symptoms
Shortness of breath
Labored, rapid breathing
Low blood pressure or shock (low blood pressure accompanied by organ failure)

Treatment for ARDS Treatment
The objective of treatment is to provide enough support for the failing respiratory system (and other systems) until these systems have time to heal. Treatment of the underlying condition that caused ARDS is essential.


The main supportive treatment of the failing respiratory system in ARDS is mechanical ventilation (a breathing machine) to deliver high doses of oxygen and a continuous level of pressure called PEEP (positive end-expiratory pressure) to the damaged lungs.

The high pressures and other breathing machine settings required to treat ARDS often require that the patient be deeply sedated with medications.

This treatment is continued until the patient is well enough to breathe on his or her own. Medications may be needed to treat infections, reduce inflammation, and eliminate fluid from the lungs.


Typically patients require care in an intensive care unit (ICU). Symptoms usually develop within 24 to 48 hours of the original injury or illness. ARDS often occurs along with the failure of other organ systems, such as the liver or the kidneys. Cigarette smoking may be a risk factor.

The outcome of ARDS depends on the person, but from being a respiratory therapist this is what I have found...
Expectations (prognosis)
The death rate in ARDS is approximately 20-30%. Although survivors may recover normal lung function, many individuals suffer permanent lung damage, which can range from mild to severe.

Many people who survive ARDS suffer memory loss or other problems with thinking after they recover. This is related to brain damage caused by reduced access to oxygen while the lungs were malfunctioning.

ARDS IS CONSIDERED A MEDICAL EMERGENCY!!!

Best of Luck,
Kimberly, RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist)

Answer 2

ARDS adult respiratory distress syndrome is related to all those things
It is usually brought on by some severe stress or trauma.
In the Vietnam days it was called danang lung because some guys would get it and the only explanation was stress/anxiety/trauma/shock brought on by what they saw in battle.
It is extremely serious condition requiring ventilator support ( lifesupport) until the underlying conditions can be resolved ( get rid of infection,reduce stress,heal wounds)
frequently the best efforts of a great medical team and med equipment prove to be fruitless and the pt dies. I seriously pray this question is a hypothetical one, and not one that applys to you or a family member.

Answer 3

No, ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome) is related to barotrauma from being on the ventilator too long or from being on the wrong settings. I have seen many patients who went into ARDS while on the vent. walk out of the hospital with very few lasting effects.

Answer 4

Not much to add to answers you already have other than the causes are numerous, but the outcome is the real question. Normal Adult diagnosed with ARDS with no significant medical history has approximately 10% chance of survival.

Answer 5

Most patients with ARDS are on a ventilator. It is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and it is very serious. Many patients with this do not survive.