Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a form of lung
failure. It is a life-threatening lung condition. ARDS can occur
in very ill or severely injured people. It is not a specific
disease. ARDS starts with the tiny blood vessels in the lungs.
These vessels leak fluid into the lung sacs. The fluid decreases
the ability of the lungs to move oxygen into the body. ARDS can
develop in anyone over the age of one year old. If you suspect
you or someone else has this condition, get medical help
immediately. ARDS can be caused by many types of injuries,
including: - Direct injury to the lungs: - Indirect injury to
the lungs: ARDS may occur within few days of a lung or bone
marrow transplantation. ARDS develops most often in people who
are being treated for the conditions listed above. Very few who
have these issues will go on to develop ARDS. Factors that may
increase your risk of ARDS include: - Cigarette smoking -
Chronic lung disease - Age over 65 If you have any of these
symptoms do not assume it is due to