Diagnosing & Treating Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious complication due to widespread inflammation of the lungs. The inflammation process causes fluid to leak into the tiny air sacs (alveoli) where oxygen exchange occurs. The fluid decreases the capacity for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange across the alveolar capillaries. This leads to low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels in the blood. As a result, tissues throughout the body are starved of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels build up in the blood. ARDS usually occurs in critically ill patients who are already hospitalized.