What Are the Signs and Symptoms of ARDS?
The first signs and symptoms of ARDS are feeling
like you can't get enough air into your lungs, rapid breathing, and low oxygen
levels in the blood.
Other signs and symptoms depend on the cause of the
condition. They may occur before ARDS develops. For example, if pneumonia is
causing ARDS, you may have a cough and fever before you feel short of
breath.
Sometimes, people with ARDS develop signs and
symptoms such as
low
blood pressure, confusion, and extreme tiredness. This may mean that the
body's organs, such as the kidneys and heart, aren't getting enough oxygen-rich
blood.
Most people who develop ARDS are in the hospital for
another serious health problem. Rarely, people who aren't hospitalized have
health problems (such as severe pneumonia) that lead to ARDS.
If you have trouble breathing, call your doctor
right away. If you have severe shortness of breath, call 911.
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