Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Alternate Names : Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, ARDS
What can be done to prevent the disease?
Prevention of ARDS depends on the cause. Avoiding
exposure to infection may prevent some cases that are caused by
infection. Avoiding smoking,
drugs, and alcohol
may decrease the risk of lung problems in general. Seeking prompt treatment
for illnesses may also decrease the risk of ARDS. Many cases can't be
prevented.
What are the long-term effects of the disease?
Four out of ten people who have ARDS will die from it, even
with treatment. But the other 60 percent will survive, if they receive the right
treatment. Those who respond quickly to treatment often have no long-term
effects. But those who needed to stay on a ventilator for a long time to treat
their ARDS may have ongoing lung problems, including infections.
Other long-term effects are related to the cause of ARDS. For example,
pneumonia
can permanently damage the lungs and even cause death.
What are the risks to others?
ARDS itself is not catching. If it is caused by an infection
such as pneumonia,
the infection may be contagious.
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