Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Causes & Risks

Causes

ARDS can be caused by many types of injuries, including:

Direct injury to the lungs:
- Chest trauma, such as a heavy blow
- Aspiration of stomach contents
- Obstructed airways
- High attitude disease
- Tuberculosis
- Oxygen toxicity
- Radiation
- Cardiopulmonary bypass
- Breathing smoke, chemicals, or salt water
- Burns
Indirect injury to the lungs:
- Severe infection
- Massive blood transfusion
- Pneumonia
- Shock
- Burn
- Head trauma
- Severe inflammation of the pancreas ( pancreatitis )
- Overdoses of alcohol or certain drugs (eg, aspirin, cocaine, opioids, phenothiazines, and tricyclic antidepressants)

ARDS may occur within few days of a lung or bone marrow transplantation.

Risk Factors

ARDS develops most often in people who are being treated for the conditions listed above. Very few who have these issues will go on to develop ARDS.

Factors that may increase your risk of ARDS include:

Cigarette smoking
Chronic lung disease
Age over 65

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2025 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.