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ARDS-Acute respiratory distress syndrome

For most patients who are infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the disease caused by this virus is referred to as COVID-19), symptoms are typically mild-to-moderate, often restricted to the upper respiratory system. However, in more severe cases patients can develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), leading to a worse prognosis.

The signs and symptoms of ARDS often begin within two hours of an inciting event, but have been known to take as long as 1–3 days; diagnostic criteria require a known insult to have happened within 7 days of the syndrome. Signs and symptoms may include shortness of breath, fast breathing, and a low oxygen level in the blood due to abnormal ventilation.[6][7] Other common symptoms include muscle fatigue and general weakness, low blood pressure, a dry, hacking cough, and fever.[8]


Acute respiratory distress syndrome is usually treated with mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). Mechanical ventilation is usually delivered through a rigid tube which enters the oral cavity and is secured in the airway (endotracheal intubation), or by tracheostomy when prolonged ventilation (≥2 weeks) is necessary. The role of non-invasive ventilation is limited to the very early period of the disease or to prevent worsening respiratory distress in individuals with atypical pneumonias, lung bruising, or major surgery patients, who are at risk of developing ARDS. Treatment of the underlying cause is crucial. Appropriate antibiotic therapy is started as soon as culture results are available, or if infection is suspected (whichever is earlier). Empirical therapy may be appropriate if local microbiological surveillance is efficient. Where possible the origin of the infection is removed. When sepsis is diagnosed, appropriate local protocols are followed.

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Its not the cough that carries you off.... Its the coffin they carry you off in