Diagnosis of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Diagnosing acute respiratory distress syndrome can be challenging as there is no specific test available. However, doctors employ various investigations to confirm the condition and eliminate other potential causes. Blood tests are commonly conducted to check for underlying infections and measure the oxygen levels in the blood. Additionally, a pulse oximetry test is performed to determine the amount of oxygen present in the blood. To further aid in the diagnosis, chest x-rays and CT scans may be ordered to identify any signs of infection or ARDS.
Risk Factors
Understanding the risk factors associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can help identify individuals who are most vulnerable to developing this condition.
One high-risk group includes individuals who are already critically ill in the hospital, as they are more likely to develop ARDS as a complication of their existing condition. Another significant risk factor is the presence of an infection in the bloodstream, also known as sepsis. Individuals with sepsis have a particularly high risk of developing ARDS.
Additionally, individuals with long-term alcoholism face a greater chance of developing ARDS compared to the general population. This demographic also experiences a higher number of fatalities related to ARDS.