Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome - Overview

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome results from a severe injury to the lungs either from acute infections, trauma or drug overdose. Pneumonia or other blood-borne conditions can cause the lungs to become inflamed to the point of failure. Trauma, such as a blow to the chest, inhaling toxic fumes, near drowning or inhaling vomit can cause this condition. Other causes include blood transfusions and pancreatitis. Most ARDS patients require Intensive Care Unit admission with mechanical breathing. It is a life-threatening condition with a mortality rate of about 30%.