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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening illness that can happen when your lungs are not working properly. ARDS is usually a complication of other serious conditions and is treated in hospital.

Who is at risk of getting acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) usually affects people who are already unwell.

Causes of ARDS can include:

Symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Symptoms of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) include:

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you or someone else:

  • have severe difficulty breathing, for example, not being able to get words out, choking, or gasping
  • have sudden shortness of breath and pain in your arms, back, neck or jaw
  • have sudden shortness of breath and your chest feels tight or heavy
  • have sudden shortness of breath and you're feeling sick or being sick
  • have sudden shortness of breath and you're coughing up blood
  • have sudden shortness of breath and you have pain or swelling in 1 of your legs
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Treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is treated in hospital, usually in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Treatment may include:

ARDS is a life-threatening condition and cannot always be cured. There's a chance someone who has it may die.

Complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

ARDS can have long-term effects, such as:

Page last reviewed: 12 July 2023
Next review due: 12 July 2026