Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Symptoms

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Difficulty breathing is usually the first symptom of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Other symptoms may vary depending on how serious the underlying cause is. ARDS may take several days to develop, or it can rapidly get worse. Complications may include blood clots , infections, additional lung problems, or organ failure.

Warning signs that you are developing or are at risk for ARDS may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Fast breathing, or taking lots of rapid, shallow breaths
• Fast heart rate
• Coughing that produces phlegm
• Blue fingernails or blue tone to the skin or lips
• Extreme tiredness
• Fever
• Crackling sound in the lungs
• Chest pain, especially when trying to breathe deeply
• Low blood pressure
• Confusion

If you have trouble breathing or have severe shortness of breath, call 9-1-1 right away.