Accident Victims Can Suffer Long-Term Complications From Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Unfortunately, a victim of a serious accident who suffers severe injuries can also develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This is can be a life-altering condition where fluid builds up in the lungs and prevents sufficient oxygen from getting into the person’s bloodstream and to his internal organs. Many people who suffer with ARDS die from it. Even if they survive, they could have complications—sometimes long-term.

Six Complications From ARDS

With newer treatments, more people are surviving ARDS. However, they could develop the following complications:

• Scarring of the lungs. The tissue between the air sacs can thicken and become scarred within a few weeks of developing ARDS. This causes the lungs to stiffen, making it difficult for oxygen to flow into the person’s bloodstream and to his internal organs—resulting in long-term breathing problems and limitations on the person’s day-to-day activities.

• Collapsed lungs. When a person develops ARDS, he often needs a ventilator, which is a breathing machine, to help him breathe and to force fluids out of his lungs. This can cause gases to go through a small hole in the very outside of the lung and may cause a lung to collapse.

• Blood clots. A person who develops ARDS must lie still for long periods of time while on the ventilator. This increases the risk that he could develop blood clots in a vein in his leg, which could break off and travel to his lungs—with potentially deadly consequences.

• Infections. A ventilator is attached to the lungs through a tube inserted into the person’s windpipe. This can make it easier for germs to travel to the lungs and cause serious lung infections.

• Abnormal lung function. Recovery of lung function from ARDS can take six months to two years. Even if a person recovers, he could experience shortness of breath and fatigue. Some people can have lung problems for the rest of their lives and could need supplemental oxygen at home, at least for a few months.

• Memory, cognitive, and emotional problems. Because a person with ARDS is sedated and will have low levels of oxygen in his blood, he could suffer from memory loss and reasoning problems—sometimes permanently—and could also suffer with depression.

If you or a family member developed ARDS after a serious accident, you may be facing long-term expensive medical treatments. Fortunately, you may be entitled to compensation from the person or business that caused your accident. Call us at (727) 345-4566 to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can assist you.