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Your doctor may screen for ARDS if you have risk factors for ARDS. Getting vaccines to prevent the flu and other infections, avoiding tobacco smoke, limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, and limiting your exposure to pollution can reduce your risk of getting ARDS.
If you have a condition that puts you at risk of ARDS, getting early treatment may help prevent the syndrome. Your doctor and healthcare team may try to prevent ARDS by treating infection or shock, managing your fluid levels carefully, managing the settings of your ventilator, and limiting blood transfusions.