ARDS stands for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
What does ARDS mean?
sudden, severe lung failure with dangerously low oxygen
ARDS stands for acute respiratory distress syndrome, a rapidly developing and life-threatening form of lung failure. Widespread inflammation damages the tiny air sacs of the lungs, so fluid leaks in and oxygen cannot pass into the blood properly. It is not caused by heart failure. Under the Berlin definition it is marked by onset within one week of a known trigger, bilateral changes on chest imaging, and a low ratio of arterial oxygen to inspired oxygen (PaO2 to FiO2 below 300). Common causes include pneumonia and sepsis, and most patients need mechanical ventilation.
When is ARDS used?
ARDS is documented in critical care and emergency notes and is a leading reason for admission to intensive care.
Frequently asked questions
What does ARDS stand for?
ARDS stands for acute respiratory distress syndrome, a sudden and severe form of lung failure with very low oxygen.
What causes ARDS?
Common causes include pneumonia and sepsis, along with other serious pulmonary or whole-body insults.
How is ARDS defined?
By the Berlin definition: onset within one week, bilateral lung changes on imaging, and a PaO2 to FiO2 ratio below 300, not explained by heart failure.
How is ARDS treated?
Treatment is supportive and usually includes mechanical ventilation with low tidal volumes and treatment of the underlying cause.