The following symptoms and complaints may indicate adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS):
The following stages can be distinguished:
Stage I
- Hypoxemia – decreased oxygen levels in the blood.
- Hyperventilation – increased breathing beyond what is required.
- Respiratory alkalosis – form of acid-base disturbance that occurs as a result of hyperventilation.
Stage II
- Increasing dyspnea (shortness of breath).
- Increasing changes visible in the X-ray image
Stage III
- Respiratory global insufficiency – with hypoxemia and hypercapnia (increased carbon dioxide in the blood resulting from inadequate ventilation).
- Respiratory acidosis – hyperacidity of the blood caused by respiration.
Note
- Characteristic is the rapid progression within a week if the cause is known.
