What Is Acute Respiratory Failure?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
3. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is another potential cause of acute respiratory failure and is a potentially very serious condition in itself. ARDS involves leaking fluid into the lungs, as described earlier, and low levels of oxygen in the blood. ARDS itself can also be caused by a number of underlying medical conditions, some of which are serious themselves.
Potential causes of acute respiratory distress syndrome include, but are not limited to, pancreatitis, severe brain injuries, lung injuries, pneumonia, and severe trauma. Perhaps the most common cause of ARDS is pancreatitis, which can affect the balance of chemicals in the body, leading to breathing difficulties.
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