--- title: "Respiratory Distress in a Patient with Clear Lungs: What You Need to Know" description: When the lungs are clear, this usually signals a hematologic, metabolic, or obstructive process. Here’s what you need to know about diagnosing and treating the cause. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/Respiratory%20Distress%20in%20a%20Patient%20with%20Clear%20Lung%20What%20You%20Need%20to%20Know.jpg --- [![dark-header.jpg](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hub/212347/file-1107077240.jpg?width=940&name=file-1107077240.jpg "dark-header.jpg")](https://www.sscor.com/) ## **Thank you for visiting the SSCOR Blog.** Whether you're in a Hospital or EMS setting, this is the place for you. We'll share information on current industry news, tips, as well as the latest and greatest in SSCOR products. Our hope is that this blog is not only informative but a collaborative and open forum for you to share your thoughts on developing opportunities and challenges within your profession. Subscribe. Share your thoughts. Enjoy. -SSCOR Team   # [Respiratory Distress in a Patient with Clear Lungs: What You Need to Know](https://blog.sscor.com/respiratory-distress-in-a-patient-with-clear-lung-what-you-need-to-know) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Mar 28, 2024 8:00:00 AM 3 min read - [![LinkedIn Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2628248555-png/images/icons/linkedin-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/respiratory-distress-in-a-patient-with-clear-lung-what-you-need-to-know#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/respiratory-distress-in-a-patient-with-clear-lung-what-you-need-to-know#) 0 ![Respiratory Distress in a Patient with Clear Lung What You Need to Know](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Respiratory%20Distress%20in%20a%20Patient%20with%20Clear%20Lung%20What%20You%20Need%20to%20Know.jpg?width=724&name=Respiratory%20Distress%20in%20a%20Patient%20with%20Clear%20Lung%20What%20You%20Need%20to%20Know.jpg) Acute [respiratory distress syndrome ](https://blog.sscor.com/how-to-distinguish-respiratory-distress-from-failure)(ARDS) occurs when blood oxygen levels drop too low because fluid has accumulated in the lungs. Numerous medical conditions, both acute and chronic, can cause ARDS. Often, a first responder or doctor hears wheezing or crackling sounds coming from the lungs. When the [lungs are clear](https://www.jems.com/2018/07/17/deadly-respiratory-distress-mimic/), this usually signals a hematologic, metabolic, or obstructive process. Here’s what you need to know about diagnosing and treating the cause.   ## **Symptoms of Respiratory Distress** Properly diagnosing respiratory distress ensures that patients get the right treatment as quickly as possible. Medical professionals must memorize the symptoms of respiratory distress and understand how they are distinct from other issues such as high blood pressure. The most [common symptoms of respiratory distress](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/signs-of-respiratory-distress) include    - In newborns and babies: nostril flaring when breathing or retractions when breathing.  - Cyanosis of the mouth, tongue, lips, fingers, or toes.  - Rapid, labored breathing.  - Generalized weakness.  - Unexplained coughing.  - Low blood pressure, especially if accompanied by a rapid pulse.  - Low oxygen saturation.  - The patient reports that they cannot get enough oxygen or feel like they are choking.    [![Guide: Portable Emergency Suction: A Critial Tool In Avoiding Aspiration Pneumonia](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/2f1501c2-bb40-46f8-a1de-c029ad5be75b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/2f1501c2-bb40-46f8-a1de-c029ad5be75b)   ## **Causes of Respiratory Distress with Clear Lungs ** Numerous conditions can cause respiratory distress, and in some cases, multiple disease processes are implicated. When a healthcare provider observes symptoms of respiratory distress [and hears clear lungs](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ards/symptoms-causes/syc-20355576), some potential causes include - **Metabolic acidosis.** In patients with diabetes or uncontrolled blood glucose, diabetic ketoacidosis is a potential culprit.  - **Anemia.** Anemia can compound the effects of other respiratory diseases. Severe anemia can also be the primary cause of respiratory distress, particularly in pediatric populations.  - **Pulmonary hypertension**.    ## **Treating Respiratory Distress ** To treat respiratory distress, it’s important to identify the cause (if at all possible). A patient in distress because of aspiration, for example, requires different treatment from one who is having an asthma attack. Prompt treatment with blood thinners may be life-saving in patients with pulmonary embolism but can intensify symptoms in those with anemia and bleeding disorders.   In most scenarios, the right [airway management strategy](https://blog.sscor.com/the-3-best-airway-management-devices-for-medical-professionals) is critical. Supplemental oxygen and medications can improve breathing, but in patients with metabolic issues, aggressive management could exacerbate the problem. In some cases, the patient may even experience cardiac arrest.   This highlights the importance of post-intubation monitoring and prompt diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of respiratory distress.   [![NEW: Free Guide and Checklist for Paramedics: Determing the Contents of Your First-In Bag](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/05cfbf34-0ff9-44ef-bafe-aa8c9d72d546.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/05cfbf34-0ff9-44ef-bafe-aa8c9d72d546)   ## **The Importance of Quality Equipment ** Suctioning the airway of a person in respiratory distress can be life-saving, particularly when an obstruction is the culprit. Some patients may respond poorly to intubation, causing vomiting or bleeding that demands further suctioning. First responders must be able to promptly and safely suction the patient with equipment that delivers consistent suctioning while minimizing the risk of injury. Because acute respiratory distress can occur anywhere, a portable suction machine offers the fastest care. It can even help hospitals meet their duty of patient care under the [Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act](https://www.acep.org/life-as-a-physician/ethics--legal/emtala/emtala-fact-sheet/) (EMTALA), which requires providers to tend to patients in waiting areas and within a 250-yard radius of the facility.   For help choosing the right suction machine for your needs, download our free guide, [*The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing a Portable Emergency Suction Device*](https://info.sscor.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-purchasing-a-portable-emergency-suction-device).   *Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in February, 2022. It has been re-published with additional up to date content.*   Topics: [Respiratory](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/respiratory) ![Author Photo](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SDS2-648378-edited.jpg?width=70&name=SDS2-648378-edited.jpg) ## AboutSam D. Say Sam D. Say is owner and CEO of SSCOR, Inc., a medical device manufacturer specializing in emergency battery operated portable suction devices for the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Mr. Say has been involved in developing product for healthcare providers for over 35 years. His passions include contributing to the management of the patient airway and providing solutions that save lives in difficult conditions. 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