About this topic
ARDS stands for adult respiratory distress syndrome. It is a very serious lung problem that may lead to death. This illness keeps you from getting enough oxygen into your blood. Then, you are not able to get enough oxygen to other parts of your body. People may get ARDS if they are very sick. They may have other serious illnesses or have very bad injuries. ARDS must be treated right away. This may help stop more damage to the body ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You may need to have oxygen therapy at home. You may have been shown breathing exercise while in the hospital. Keep doing them when you get home.
- Make your family and friends aware of your condition. Let them know how they can help you.
- Do not smoke and do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Keep doing your breathing exercises.
- Do not go outside in very cold or very hot weather. Do not go outside when the air quality is bad.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need to go to a lung rehab center for more care. This may help you get your strength back. Talk with your doctor about any concerns or worries you may have. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Help with swelling
- Get rid of extra fluid from the lungs
- Prevent blood clots
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. Doing exercises to help your lungs get stronger will be important. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Short-term or long-term lung damage
- Infection
- Weakening of other organs
- Problems with brain functions like decreased memory or concentration
- Muscle wasting and weakness
- Collapsed lung. This is a pneumothorax.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
ARDS most often happens to people who are already in the hospital for illness or trauma. Keep your lungs healthy so if it happens, you have a better chance of recovery. Here are some things you may do to prevent illnesses. ‚
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill the virus.
- If you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. You can also cough into your elbow. Throw away tissues in the trash and wash your hands after touching used tissues.
- Do not get too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Do not share towels or hankies with anyone who is sick.
- Stay away from crowded places.
- Get a flu shot each year.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum.
- Harder time breathing or if you get dizzy or lightheaded
- New pain or swelling in your legs
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my breathing.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing or get dizzy.
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ards/ ‚
National Organization of Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/611/viewAbstract ‚
The ARDS Foundation ‚
http://www.ardsil.com/facts.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚