Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Warning Signs — When to Seek Immediate Help

• Sudden severe worsening of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome symptoms not responding to prescribed treatment
• Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or rapid heartbeat associated with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
• High fever (above 39 °C / 102 °F) that does not improve with medication after 24 hours
• Confusion, altered consciousness, severe weakness, or inability to stand or speak clearly
• Signs of rapidly spreading infection — increasing redness, swelling, or skin changes
• Symptoms occurring in infants, elderly (65+), pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
• No improvement after 48–72 hours of prescribed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome treatment
• New or different symptoms suggesting spread to other organ systems