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Medical Author:

Eloise M Harman, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medications for ARDS

The following drugs may be administered:

• Antibiotics to treat infection

• Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation in the lungs in the late phase of ARDS or sometimes if the person is in septic shock

• Diuretics to eliminate fluid from the lungs

• Drugs to counteract low blood pressure that may be caused by shock

• Anti-anxiety drugs to relieve anxiety

• Inhaled drugs administered by respiratory therapists to open up the airways (bronchodilators)