ARDS occurs when fluid builds up in the alveoli in the lungs. The fluid keeps one’s lungs from filling with enough air, which means less oxygen reaches the bloodstream. This deprives organs of oxygen they need to function. Severe shortness of breath, which is the main symptom, usually develops within a few hours or days after precipitating injury or infection.
Signs and symptoms include: severe shortness of breath, laboured and unusually rapid breathing, low blood pressure and confusion and extreme fatigue.