Shortness of breath nursing diagnosis

Heart failure. B. (Acute pain is the only NANDA-I approved diagnosis listed. Sleep apnea and heart failure are medical diagnoses, and sore throat is subjective data.) A nurse develops a nursing diagnostic statement for a patient with a medical diagnosis of pneumonia with chest x-ray results of lower lobe infiltrates.

In SCLC, clients usually experience shortness of breath; physical examination may reveal the use of the accessory muscles of respiration and nasal flaring (Tan & Karim, 2021). Observe changes in skin or mucous membrane color, pallor, cyanosis, and edema. ... Recommended nursing diagnosis and nursing care plan books and …Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that make it increasingly difficult to breathe. Learning more about what this condition involves can help y...Diagnostic Procedures. Note: Since chest pain and shortness of breath can also be the primary symptom of heart attack, pneumonia, pneumothorax (lung collapse), dissection of an aortic aneurysm (damage in the aorta), and other disorders, the physical examination will initially focus on the heart and lungs. 1. Hook the patient to an …COPD Nursing Diagnosis. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a debilitating respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Those diagnosed with COPD may experience various symptoms, including shortness of breath, chronic coughing, and frequent chest infections. As a nurse, it is crucial to …Nursing Diagnosis: Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to emphysema as evidenced by shortness of breath, respiratory rate of 25 breaths per minute, SpO2 level of 80%, productive cough, and fatigue Desired Outcome: The patient will achieve effective breathing pattern as evidenced by respiratory rates between 12 to 20 breaths per minutes ...Nursing Care Plan and Management. Nursing care management for chest pain involves prompt assessment, effective pain management, and close monitoring of vital signs to ensure timely intervention and promote patient well-being. In this section, we’ll dive into the nursing care management for patients with angina pectoris (chest pain).Impaired gas exchange is a common nursing diagnosis that refers to a patient’s inability to effectively exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses.

If you have a passion for helping others and are looking to embark on a rewarding career in the healthcare industry, becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) could be the perfect...Nursing Diagnosis: Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to hypoxia as evidence by shortness of breath with activity, use of accessory muscles, O2 saturation of 85%, and …Dyspnea, commonly referred to as shortness of breath, is the subjective sensation of uncomfortable breathing comprised of various sensations of varying intensity. It is a common symptom impacting millions of people and maybe the primary manifestation respiratory, cardiac, neuromuscular, psychogenic, systemic illness, or a combination of these. Dyspnea can be either acute or chronic with acute ...Nursing Diagnosis. Impaired gas exchange related to decrease in functioning lung tissue as evidenced by hypoxemia and respiratory acidosis. Goal/Desired Outcome. Short-term goal: The patient will report an improvement in shortness of breath, be weaned down to 2L nasal cannula, and exhibit an improving acid-base balance by the …An 81-year-old man presented with fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Within a few hours after presentation, chest pain and respiratory distress developed. A chest radiograph showed bilateral pa... Subjectives. This condition of impaired spontaneous ventilation can present with many different subject symptoms. These typically include a feeling of shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, confusion and anxiety. Other related physical symptoms may consist of chest pain, labored breathing, tachypnea (rapid breathing) and cyanosis (blue ...

Asthma involves many pathophysiologic factors, including bronchiolar inflammation with airway constriction and resistance that manifests as epi­sodes of coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Asthma can affect the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. Inflammation can exist even though obvious signs and symptoms of asthma …Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Gas Exchange related to pulmonary edema as evidenced by shortness of breath, SpO2 level of 85%, productive cough, and frothy phlegm Desired Outcome: The patient will maintain optimal gas exchange as evidenced by respiratory rates between 12 to 20 breaths per minutes, oxygen saturation above 96% …Survival rates vary by age and gender—from 84% for females under 44 years of age to 52% for males over 75. The US government may fall short of its goal, which it aimed to achieve b...Dyspnea, also known as shortness of breath, is a patient's perceived difficulty to breathe. Sensations and intensity can vary and are subjective. It is a prevalent symptom impacting millions of people. It may be the primary manifestation of respiratory, cardiac, neuromuscular, psychogenic, or systemic illnesses, or a combination of these. …dyspnea alone does not definitively lead you to a diagnosis. However, the pattern of dyspnea, shortness of breath, pain on inspiration, and productive cough with thick secretions are defining characteristics that lead you to the diagnosis of ineffective breathing pattern related to increased airway secretions.

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Do you know how to get your nursing assistant renewal certification? Learn how to get your renewal certification in this article from HowStuffWorks. Advertisement As the elderly po...Shortness of breath describes the sensation of not being able to breathe in a sufficient amount of air. Medically speaking, this state is known as dyspnea, and, in some cases, can ...Dyspnea is a symptom of difficult or labored breathing that can be acute or chronic. It can be caused by various factors, such as obstruction in the airway, fluid buildup in the lungs, or anxiety. The web page provides nursing diagnosis and care plan for dyspnea based on the nursing process and related factors. See moreJun 11, 2023 · Signs and Symptoms of Ineffective Airway Clearance. Abnormal breath sounds (e.g., crackles, wheezes, rhonchi) Abnormal respiration (rate, rhythm, and depth) Dyspnea or difficulty breathing. Excessive secretions. Hypoxia / cyanosis. Ineffective or absent cough. Orthopnea. This nursing best practice guidelineis a comprehensive document providing resources necessary for the support of evidence-based nursing practice. The document needs to be reviewed and applied, based on the specific needs of the organization or practice setting/environment, as well as the needs and wishes of the client.Dyspnea is a symptom of difficult or labored breathing that can be acute or chronic. It can be caused by various factors, such as obstruction in the airway, fluid buildup in the lungs, or anxiety. The web page provides nursing diagnosis and care plan for dyspnea based on the nursing process and related factors. See more

Some therapists feel its best to withhold psychological diagnoses to protect patients from potential damages of the label. Not disclosing has its own hazards. A supervisee recently...Skills: pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, to be used as strategies to manage shortness of breath; heart rate, dyspnea, and oxygen saturation monitoring during exercise sessions. • Shortness of breath • Self-efficacy • Functionality • All three intervention groups improved self-efficacy for walking after treatment. •Mar 17, 2022 · Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Gas Exchange related to alveolar edema due to elevated ventricular pressures as evidenced by shortness of breath, SpO2 level of 85%, and crackles upon auscultation. Desired Outcome: The patient will have improved oxygenation and will not show any signs of respiratory distress. Definition. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung condition. It is a form of breathing failure that can occur in very ill or severely injured people. It is not a specific disease. It starts with swelling of tissue in the lungs and build up of fluid in the tiny air sacs that transfer oxygen to the bloodstream. When symptoms are present, they often develop suddenly. 1 The most common symptoms associated with a pneumothorax are shortness of breath and chest pain. 1,4 Patients will often describe the chest pain as severe, sharp, and stabbing. 1 They may also report chest pain that radiates to the shoulder and arm. 1 If the patient has an open wound, the ... A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client with heart failure brought to the emergency department. The client was experiencing shortness of breath and pitting edema of the lower extremities. Which statement would the nurse identify as a the problem to be addressed in the client's nursing diagnosis?Nursing Diagnosis. Decreased cardiac output related to blood flow obstruction as evidenced by fatigue, shortness of breath, and right heart strain. Goal/Desired Outcome. Short-term goal: The patient remains hemodynamically stable overnight with a reduction in chest pain and shortness of breath by the end of the shift.Chest x-rays precede all other studies in determining the cause of the patient’s shortness of breath. 5 In many cases, chest x-rays can help guide a more accurate patient diagnosis, depending on the etiology of the shortness of breath. Ultrasonography of a lower limb may be ordered if a PE is suspected.Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like What is the priority nursing diagnosis for this patient? 1. Decreased Cardiac Output 2. Ineffective Airway Clearance 3. Risk for Electrolyte Imbalance 4. Anxiety, The health care provider's orders for this patient include all of the following. Which intervention should you complete first? 1. Send an arterial blood gas sample to ...Dyspnea: Nursing Diagnoses, Care Plans, Assessment & Interventions Dyspnea, often called shortness of breath (SOB), describes difficult or labored breathing, often with an increased respiratory rate. Shortness of breath is the feeling of running out of breath and not being able to breathe in and out deeply or quickly enough.Nursing Diagnosis: Impaired Gas Exchange related to alveolar edema due to elevated ventricular pressures as evidenced by shortness of breath, SpO2 level of 85%, and crackles upon auscultation. Desired Outcome: The patient will have improved oxygenation and will not show any signs of respiratory distress.CDC - Blogs - NIOSH Science Blog – Celebrating Nurses - Could there be a more fitting year to honor nurses? As 2020 comes to a close, so does our blog series celebrating the Year o...

Therefore, in making a differential diagnosis for dyspnea, think from the respiratory drive of the brain all the way to the individual alveoli. For example, remember that the peripheral nerves, respiratory muscles, lung parenchyma, airways, heart, and red blood cell (RBC) count are separate entities, each of which can cause shortness of breath.

Dyspnea often called shortness of breath (SOB), is used to describe difficult or labored breathing often with an increased respiratory rate. Shortness of breath is not a disease but a symptom. Dyspnea can be acute or chronic depending on the causative factor. Related factors include: Shortness of breath (SOB) is the feeling of running out ...Pursed lip breath ing technique: Relax your neck and shoulder muscles, breath e in ( inhale ) slowly through your nose for two counts, keeping your mouth closed. Don't take a deep breath; a normal breath will do. It may help to count to yourself: inhale, one, two. Pucker or "purse" your lips as if you were going to whistle or gently flicker the ...Here you will find a list of NANDA nursing diagnosis for various disease conditions of the Cardiovascular System. ... decreased peripheral pulses, cyanosis, decreased blood pressure, shortness of breath, dyspnea, cold and clammy skin, decreased mental alertness, changes in mental status, oliguria, anuria, sluggish capillary … Subjectives. This condition of impaired spontaneous ventilation can present with many different subject symptoms. These typically include a feeling of shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, confusion and anxiety. Other related physical symptoms may consist of chest pain, labored breathing, tachypnea (rapid breathing) and cyanosis (blue ... Mosby’s dictionary of Medicine, nursing & Health Professions Meg Gulanick/ Judith L. Myers; Nursing Care Plans Diagnoses, Interventions, and Outcomes/Edition 8 Betty J. Ackley, Gail B. Ladwig; Nursing Diagnosis Handbook: An Evidence-Based Guide to Planning Care / Edition 9 Linton; Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing/ Edition 6Dyspnea: when a patient experiences a shortness of breath. Orthopnea: when a patient has a more challenging time breathing while lying down. Tachypnea: characterized by shallow breathing, this is when the patient takes short and fast breaths. Similarly, hyperventilation, when the patient takes deep, fast breaths, is a sign.Skills: pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, to be used as strategies to manage shortness of breath; heart rate, dyspnea, and oxygen saturation monitoring during exercise sessions. • Shortness of breath • Self-efficacy • Functionality • All three intervention groups improved self-efficacy for walking after treatment. •Nursing Diagnosis: Fatigue related to decreased metabolic energy production as evidenced by overwhelming lack of energy, verbalization of tiredness, generalized body weakness, blood sugar level of 220 mg/dL, and shortness of breath upon exertion. Desired Outcome: The patient will verbalize ease of fatigue and …

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Do you know how to get your nursing assistant renewal certification? Learn how to get your renewal certification in this article from HowStuffWorks. Advertisement As the elderly po...ANS: A. 20. A nurse is developing nursing diagnoses for a patient. Beginning with the first step, place in order the steps the nurse will use. 1. Observes the patient having dyspnea (shortness of breath) and a diagnosis of asthma. 2. Writes a diagnostic label of impaired gas exchange. 3.Oct 3, 2023 · The most common causes of acute shortness of breath include: Respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. These infections usually cause other symptoms, such as fever, cough, or coughing up sputum or mucus. (See "Patient education: Pneumonia in adults (Beyond the Basics)" .) A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which ... Acute dyspnea represents one of the most frequent symptoms leading to emergency room evaluation. Its significant prognostic value warrants a careful evaluation. The differential diagnosis of dyspnea is complex due to the lack of specificity and the loose association between its intensity and the severity of the underlying pathological condition.Shortness of breath describes the sensation of not being able to breathe in a sufficient amount of air. Medically speaking, this state is known as dyspnea, and, in some cases, can ...1. Bronchitis is rarely caused by bacteria, so antibiotics are not usually recommended. Care is supportive and centered on relieving symptoms. 2. Control the cough and sputum production. Avoiding environmental irritants (especially cigarette smoke) is imperative to control cough and sputum production. 3.Subjectives. This condition of impaired spontaneous ventilation can present with many different subject symptoms. These typically include a feeling of shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, confusion and anxiety. Other related physical symptoms may consist of chest pain, labored breathing, tachypnea (rapid breathing) and cyanosis (blue ...A client is being admitted from the emergency room reporting shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. What would the nurse formulate as an appropriate nursing diagnosis? A) Bronchial Pneumonia B) Ineffective Airway Clearance C) Acute Dyspnea D) Asthma AttackTherapeutic interventions and nursing actions for patients with anaphylactic shock may include: 1. Promoting Effecting Breathing Patterns. Ineffective breathing pattern can occur in patients with anaphylactic shock due to bronchospasm, bronchoconstriction, laryngeal edema, and facial angioedema.Diagnosis of Shortness of Breath Doctors and nurses will assess the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs) to see if emergency treatment is required. If this isn’t the case, a series of tests will be … ….

6 Pulmonary Tuberculosis Nursing Care Plans. Use this nursing care plan and management guide to help care for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Enhance your understanding of nursing assessment, interventions, goals, and nursing diagnosis, all specifically tailored to address the unique needs of individuals facing pulmonary …Dyspnea (pronounced “DISP-nee-uh”) is the word healthcare providers use for feeling short of breath. You might describe it as not being able to get enough air (“air hunger”), chest tightness or working harder to breathe. Shortness of breath is often a symptom of heart and lung problems. But it can also be a sign of other conditions like ... Dyspnea often called shortness of breath (SOB), is used to describe difficult or labored breathing often with an increased respiratory rate. Shortness of breath is not a disease but a symptom. Dyspnea can be acute or chronic depending on the causative factor. Related factors include: Shortness of breath (SOB) is the feeling of running out ... About this Symptom Checker. When to seek medical advice. Shortness of breath that can't be explained by rigorous exertion or exercise requires a prompt, accurate diagnosis. …Fluid volume excess related to electrolyte imbalances, as evidenced by edema and shortness of breath This nursing diagnostic statement is accurate because the electrolyte imbalance is causing the nursing diagnosis of Fluid volume excess, which is manifested by edema and shortness of breath.2. Medical Diagnosis Cough; Shortness of breath; Wheeze. 4. Pathophysiology. Asthma is a common chronic disorder of the airways that involves a complex interaction of airlow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and an underlying inlammation Secondary Medical DiagnosisLANCASTER, Pa., April 29, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The travel nurse industry is stepping up to fill the desperate need for nurses during the COV... LANCASTER, Pa., April 29, 2020...Introduction. Shortness of breath is a very common cause of Emergency Department visits. In the United States, pneumonia, COPD exacerbation, heart failure exacerbation and dysrhythmias round out the top five reasons for hospital admission in patients 45 and older, after chest pain. All of those conditions, and many others, can cause shortness ...1. Bronchitis is rarely caused by bacteria, so antibiotics are not usually recommended. Care is supportive and centered on relieving symptoms. 2. Control the cough and sputum production. Avoiding environmental irritants (especially cigarette smoke) is imperative to control cough and sputum production. 3. Dyspnea often called shortness of breath (SOB), is used to describe difficult or labored breathing often with an increased respiratory rate. Shortness of breath is not a disease but a symptom. Dyspnea can be acute or chronic depending on the causative factor. Related factors include: Shortness of breath (SOB) is the feeling of running out ... Shortness of breath nursing diagnosis, Acute dyspnea represents one of the most frequent symptoms leading to emergency room evaluation. Its significant prognostic value warrants a careful evaluation. The differential diagnosis of dyspnea is complex due to the lack of specificity and the loose association between its intensity and the severity of the underlying pathological condition., Nursing Diagnosis: Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to hypoxia as evidence by shortness of breath with activity, use of accessory muscles, O2 saturation of 85%, and abnormal ABGS., Shortness of breath treatment depends on the underlying cause and duration of symptoms. Once that is determined, you and your physician can work together to create a treatment plan. If obesity or poor health is the cause, you will need to make lifestyle changes to manage your shortness of breath. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising ..., Nursing Diagnosis: Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to inadequate pulmonary ventilation, secondary to asthma, as evidenced by shortness of breath, coughing, cyanosis, nasal flaring, changes in the depth of breathing, excessive use of accessory muscles, presence of respiratory noise, and tachypnea., Abstract. This chapter addresses the fundamental nursing in managing breathlessness. Every nurse should possess the knowledge and skills to assess patients holistically, to select and implement evidence-based strategies, to manage breathlessness, and to review the effectiveness of these to inform any necessary changes in care., Nursing Diagnosis: Acute Pain related to decreased myocardial blood flow as evidenced by pain score of 10 out of 10, verbalization of pressure-like/ squeezing chest pain (angina), guarding sign on the chest, ... generalized weakness, and shortness of breath upon exertion., Emphysema is an incurable lung disease that’s characterized by thinning and degradation of the air sacs called alveoli in the lungs. The damage to alveoli causes patients to have s..., Sufficient oxygenation is vital to maintain life. When prioritizing nursing interventions, we often refer to using the “ABCs,” an acronym used to signify the importance of maintaining a patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation. Several body systems work collaboratively during the oxygenation process to take in oxygen from the air, carry it through the bloodstream, and adequately ... , As evidenced by: Acute IE – elevated body temperature (102°–104°), chills, increased heart rate, fatigue, night sweats, aching joints and muscles, persistent cough, or swelling in the feet, legs or abdomen . Chronic IE – fatigue, elevated body temperature (99°–101°), increased heart rate, weight loss, sweating, and anemia., Symptoms of narcolepsy can be managed, but a correct diagnosis is often the first step to finding the right treatment. If excessive sleepiness and disrupted sleep-wake cycles are a..., While nursing diagnoses serve as a framework for organizing care, their usefulness may vary in different clinical situations. ... Impaired Physical Mobility related to obesity as evidenced by shortness of breath with activity, difficulty in standing or walking for prolonged periods, and reliance on others for assistance in mobility., Dyspnea is a symptom of difficult or labored breathing that can be acute or chronic. It can be caused by various factors, such as obstruction in the airway, fluid buildup in the lungs, or anxiety. The web page provides nursing diagnosis and care plan for dyspnea based on the nursing process and related factors., Nursing Care Plan and Management. Nursing care management for chest pain involves prompt assessment, effective pain management, and close monitoring of vital signs to ensure timely intervention and promote patient well-being. In this section, we’ll dive into the nursing care management for patients with angina pectoris (chest pain)., If you have a passion for helping others and are looking to embark on a rewarding career in the healthcare industry, becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) could be the perfect..., Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, can be caused by various factors and can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for dyspnea ..., Back Orthopnea What Is It, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and More. Author: Georgina Tiarks. Editor s: Alyssa Haag, Józia McGowan, DO, Kelsey LaFayette, DNP, RN. Illustrator: Jessica Reynolds, MS. Copyeditor: David G. Walker. Modified: 14 Jul 2022. What is orthopnea? Orthopnea is a medical term to describe shortness of breath that occurs …, Signs and Symptoms of Ineffective Airway Clearance. Abnormal breath sounds (e.g., crackles, wheezes, rhonchi) Abnormal respiration (rate, rhythm, and depth) Dyspnea or difficulty breathing. Excessive secretions. Hypoxia / cyanosis. Ineffective or absent cough. Orthopnea., Hearing the doctor tell you that you’ve got cancer is undoubtedly one of the worst things you may experience. If your diagnosis is thyroid cancer, you may be able to breathe a bit ..., 1. Bronchitis is rarely caused by bacteria, so antibiotics are not usually recommended. Care is supportive and centered on relieving symptoms. 2. Control the cough and sputum production. Avoiding environmental irritants (especially cigarette smoke) is imperative to control cough and sputum production. 3., Dizziness and shortness of breath after eating may be caused by postprandial hypotension, a condition that causes a sudden drop in blood pressure readings following food consumptio..., Shortness of breath can result in a resident triggering Quality Measures for decline in activities. The decline in activity may lead to pressure ulcers, falls, depression, anxiety, or other adverse events—all of which could impact quality outcomes and be reflected in the Quality Measures. Adequately assessing the root-cause of the shortness ..., Last revised in February 2022. Assessment. Investigations. Cardiac causes. Pulmonary causes. Other common causes. The content on the NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries site (CKS) is the copyright of Clarity Informatics Limited (trading as Agilio Software Primary Care). By using CKS, you agree to the licence set out in the CKS End User Licence ..., NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition. Ineffective breathing pattern, according to NANDA (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association), is defined as a decreased oxygenation level and airway obstruction due to complications from certain medical conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchitis, congestive heart ... , Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, is defined as a subjective feeling of difficulty breathing or breathlessness. undefined#ref6">6 Shortness of breath may be caused by many different conditions, such as acute respiratory failure (ARF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary …, Reluctance to move head, rubbing head, avoidance of bright lights and noise, wrinkled brow, clenched fists. Changes in appetite. Reports of stiffness of neck, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting. Assess for factors related to the cause of hypertension: Increased vascular resistance, vasoconstriction. Myocardial ischemia., 1. Improving airway patency. Assessment of respiratory status and airway patency. Performing effective coughing exercises. Nasotracheal suctioning. Clear an …, Symptoms of narcolepsy can be managed, but a correct diagnosis is often the first step to finding the right treatment. If excessive sleepiness and disrupted sleep-wake cycles are a..., Sufficient oxygenation is vital to maintain life. When prioritizing nursing interventions, we often refer to using the “ABCs,” an acronym used to signify the importance of maintaining a patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation. Several body systems work collaboratively during the oxygenation process to take in oxygen from the air, carry it through the bloodstream, and adequately ..., Updated on April 30, 2024. By Gil Wayne BSN, R.N. In this nursing care plan and management guide, learn how to provide care for patients with with impaired balance of gas exchange. Get to know the nursing assessment, interventions, goals, and nursing diagnosis specific to inadequate ventilation/perfusion by referring to this comprehensive guide., Impaired gas exchange is a common nursing diagnosis that refers to a patient’s inability to effectively exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses., Updated on April 30, 2024. By Gil Wayne BSN, R.N. In this nursing care plan and management guide, learn how to provide care for patients with with impaired balance of gas exchange. Get to know the nursing assessment, interventions, goals, and nursing diagnosis specific to inadequate ventilation/perfusion by referring to this comprehensive guide., Shortness of breath that can't be explained by rigorous exertion or exercise requires a prompt, accurate diagnosis. Get emergency medical care if you experience shortness of breath that: Began suddenly and affects your ability to function. Is accompanied by chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes. Is accompanied by dizziness, fainting ..., Definition. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung condition. It is a form of breathing failure that can occur in very ill or severely injured people. It is not a specific disease. It starts with swelling of tissue in the lungs and build up of fluid in the tiny air sacs that transfer oxygen to the bloodstream.