Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Diagnosis & Critical Care
A clear guide to ARDS, a serious lung condition needing urgent hospital and critical care management.
Treatment usually begins with
Emergency Assessment
Blood Oxygen Monitoring
Mechanical Ventilation
Intensive Care Support
ARDS is managed in an intensive care setting with ventilatory support and treatment of the underlying trigger.
You may need this evaluated if...
ARDS is suspected in patients who are already unwell with:
- Rapidly worsening breathlessness
- Very low blood oxygen levels
- A known trigger such as severe infection or trauma
- Widespread changes seen on chest imaging
ARDS is a serious condition managed with intensive, specialised critical care, and survival and recovery have improved significantly with modern treatment.
What is Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)?
Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a severe, rapid-onset lung condition where fluid builds up in the air sacs, making it very difficult for oxygen to reach the blood, and requires intensive care management.
Medical Emergency
Requires immediate hospital-level and often intensive care management.
Has an Underlying Trigger
Usually caused by severe infection, trauma or another critical illness.
Needs Ventilatory Support
Most patients require oxygen support or mechanical ventilation.
Recovery Is Possible
With modern intensive care, many patients recover, though it can take time.
Common Symptoms
- Severe, rapidly worsening breathlessness
- Very low blood oxygen levels
- Rapid breathing and heart rate
- Confusion due to low oxygen
- Bluish lips or skin
What Increases Your Risk
A combination of medical, environmental and lifestyle factors can increase the likelihood of this condition.
How It Is Diagnosed
A structured assessment confirms the diagnosis and helps guide the right treatment plan.
Chest X-Ray or CT Scan
Shows widespread fluid build-up in both lungs.
Arterial Blood Gas Test
Measures the severity of low blood oxygen.
Echocardiogram
Helps rule out a heart-related cause of fluid build-up.
Identification of the Underlying Trigger
Investigations identify and target the condition that caused ARDS.
Treatment Approaches
Medical Care
- Mechanical ventilation with lung-protective settings
- Treatment of the underlying trigger, such as infection
- Careful fluid management
- Intensive monitoring and supportive care
Procedural Care
Advanced life support measures, such as ECMO, are considered in select, severe cases not responding to standard ventilatory support.
Treatment decisions are based on symptoms, test results, lung function and overall health, not a single test.
Know When to Act
Recognising these signs early and acting promptly is important for the best outcome.
Book an Assessment
Schedule a consultation for a routine evaluation or ongoing symptoms.
- This condition typically presents acutely and needs immediate emergency evaluation rather than a routine assessment booking.
Seek Urgent Care
Call for emergency care immediately if you notice any of the following.
- Rapidly worsening breathlessness
- Confusion or bluish lips with breathing difficulty
Not Sure What You Need?
Speak to a Care Guide and we'll help you choose the right pulmonologist.
Talk to Care GuideA care guide can match your condition to the right pulmonologist.
Share your concern or existing reports. We will help you choose the right hospital, doctor and appointment.
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