Symptoms of ards
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Symptoms of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Introduction to ARDS Symptoms
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a severe lung condition characterized by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs. The primary clinical symptoms include severe hypoxemia, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and decreased lung compliance . However, ARDS survivors often experience a range of long-term physical, cognitive, and mental health symptoms.
Physical Symptoms of ARDS
Pulmonary and Physical Function
ARDS is initially marked by severe respiratory distress, including symptoms such as refractory hypoxemia and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates . Survivors often continue to experience significant physical impairments long after the acute phase. For instance, critical illness polyneuromyopathy, which affects muscle strength and function, was diagnosed in 39% of COVID-19-associated ARDS survivors. Additionally, handgrip strength and performance in the 6-minute walk test were notably reduced, with only partial improvement over time.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a prevalent and persistent symptom among ARDS survivors. Studies have shown that over two-thirds of survivors report clinically significant fatigue symptoms within the first year post-ARDS. This fatigue often co-occurs with other physical impairments, such as reduced physical functioning, and can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.
Cognitive Symptoms of ARDS
Memory Dysfunction
Memory dysfunction is another common issue faced by ARDS survivors. Research indicates that a significant proportion of survivors report memory complaints, with some studies showing that up to 20% of patients score below age-adjusted norms for memory function . These cognitive impairments can persist for years, affecting the ability to return to work and perform daily tasks .
Mental Health Symptoms of ARDS
Depression
Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent among ARDS survivors. Studies have reported that between 17% and 43% of survivors experience clinically significant symptoms of depression . These symptoms can hinder the return to work and negatively impact overall quality of life . Depression often co-occurs with other psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety and PTSD, further complicating recovery .
Anxiety and PTSD
Anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also common among ARDS survivors. Research shows that 23% to 48% of survivors experience significant anxiety symptoms, while 21% to 35% report PTSD symptoms . These psychiatric symptoms can persist for years, with some patients experiencing prolonged and recurring symptoms. Worse pre-ARDS mental health and longer durations of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay are significant predictors of these psychiatric morbidities .
Conclusion
ARDS is associated with a wide range of symptoms that extend beyond the acute phase of the illness. Survivors frequently experience long-term physical impairments, significant fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. These symptoms can severely impact the quality of life and functional recovery, highlighting the need for comprehensive long-term care and support for ARDS survivors.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic