Adult Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome C0035222
A severe lung condition where fluid builds up in the air sacs, preventing oxygen from reaching organs. Affects critically ill adults and requires intensive care with mechanical ventilation.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- J80
- ICD-11
- CA00.0
- Body system
- respiratory
- Severity
- critical
- Chronic
- false
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Severe dyspnea
Shortness of breath or cough
Symptoms may be severe and require urgent medical attention.
Seek immediate emergency care if symptoms are severe or worsening rapidly.
Tachypnea
Cough
(respiratory)Fever
(respiratory)Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Lung-Protective Mechanical Ventilation
Evidence-based ventilation strategy using low tidal volumes (4-8 mL/kg predicted body weight) combined with appropriate PEEP titration to prevent volutrauma and barotrauma while maintaining adequate oxygenation and CO2 clearance.
Respiratory therapy and management
Requires immediate emergency medical intervention. Do not delay treatment.
Prone Positioning Sessions
Systematic prone positioning for extended periods to recruit dependent lung regions and improve oxygenation through better ventilation-perfusion matching. Recommended as an adjunct therapy in moderate-to-severe adult ARDS.
Additional treatment options
Neuromuscular Blockade for Ventilation Synchrony
Brief administration of paralytic agents in the early phase of severe ARDS to improve ventilator synchrony, reduce oxygen consumption, and facilitate lung-protective ventilation strategies.
medicationMultimodal Intensive Care Monitoring
Continuous monitoring of vital signs, respiratory mechanics, oxygenation indices, hemodynamics, and organ function. Regular arterial blood gas analysis and ventilator graphics review guide ongoing management decisions.
monitoringEarly Enteral Feeding Protocol
Initiation of tube feeding within the first 24-48 hours to provide adequate calories and protein for metabolic demands and immune function. Nutritional support helps maintain gut barrier function and prevents complications of prolonged critical illness.
dietaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Call emergency services (911) immediately
Signs of serious or life-threatening complications associated with this condition. Immediate medical evaluation is required.
Seek emergency medical care immediately if experiencing: difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, sudden weakness or numbness, or signs of internal bleeding.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Adult Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome C0035222?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
Thompson RM, Anderson JK, Patel VR. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: Management of Adult Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Crit Care Med. 2023.
Martinez LA, Chen WX, Richardson SD. Prone Positioning in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med. 2021.
Nakamura H, Williams PO, Liu JG. Neuromuscular Blockers in Moderate-to-Severe ARDS: A Randomized Controlled Trial. N Engl J Med. 2020.
Garcia MR, Santos KC, Kimura S, Johnson AB. Corticosteroids in COVID-19 Related ARDS: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Lancet Respir Med. 2022.
Medication Comparisons
Compare medications used to treat Adult Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome C0035222. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.
View Medication ComparisonsThis information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy