Introduction

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening medical condition where the lungs can't provide enough oxygen for the rest of the body.

ARDS can affect people of any age and usually develops as a complication of a serious existing health condition. Consequently, most people have already been admitted to hospital by the time the symptoms of ARDS begin.

Symptoms of ARDS can include:

  • severe Shortness of breath
  • rapid, shallow breathing
  • tiredness, drowsiness or confusion
  • feeling faint
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Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 13 Jan 2017