Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

The Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome topic includes research on causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury in adults. The topic includes research on sepsis, environmental toxicities, and treatment-associated injuries related to the lung.

ARDS is a potentially life-threatening lung condition that causes low blood oxygen and usually develops in people who are already ill from another disease or have suffered a major injury. Two factors prevent lungs from properly filling with air and moving oxygen into the bloodstream: fluid buildup inside tiny air sacs of the lungs and breakdown of foamy surfactant that keeps lungs fully expanded. ARDS treatment focuses on improving oxygen levels, addressing the underlying causes, and preventing complications.