What it is
Treatment supports breathing, usually with a ventilator, while the underlying cause is treated.
Recovery can take months. Many people have weakness, tiredness, breathlessness or low mood for a while afterwards, and benefit from rehabilitation.
Common signs
- Severe shortness of breath
- Fast, laboured breathing
- Low oxygen levels, confusion, extreme tiredness
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood oxygen measurements
- A chest X-ray or CT scan
- Tests to find and treat the cause
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- The intensive care and hospital discharge summaries
- Chest imaging reports
- Lung function tests and rehabilitation notes after discharge
- Follow-up clinic letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- What caused the ARDS?
- What recovery should I expect, and over what time?
- Is a follow-up clinic or rehabilitation programme available?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Breathlessness that is getting worse after leaving hospital
- Chest pain or coughing up blood
- Blue or grey lips
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.