What is a serious complication of ARDS?

Lung stiffening is indeed a serious complication of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). In ARDS, inflammation and fluid accumulation in the alveoli lead to a reduction in lung compliance, making the lungs significantly stiffer. This stiffness impacts gas exchange and can result in reduced oxygenation of the blood, which is a critical concern for patients with ARDS. As the lungs become stiffer, patients may struggle to breathe and require mechanical ventilation support, often at higher pressures, to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygen delivery.

Persistent cough, while common in many respiratory conditions, is not typically classified as a serious complication of ARDS itself. Increased appetite is not associated with ARDS and may actually be a concern due to the decreased ability to eat and participate in normal activities during illness. Decreased heart rate can occur in various clinical situations but is not a hallmark complication of ARDS; in fact, patients may experience tachycardia due to hypoxemia and stress from respiratory failure. Hence, lung stiffening directly ties into the pathophysiology of ARDS and represents a critical challenge in its management.