Evaluation of adult respiratory distress syndrome begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with adult respiratory distress syndrome may include:

• Cyanosis
• Congested lungs:
• During examination with a stethoscope
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid respiratory rate
• Signs of severe difficulty breathing:
• Rib retractions: ribs are visible during each breath
• Nasal flaring: nostrils open wide during each breath
• Use of accessory muscles: neck muscles are prominent during each breath

Tests to evaluate the lungs and heart are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Tests that may be used to evaluate adult respiratory distress syndrome include:

• Chest x-ray
• Pulse oximetry
• Arterial blood gas analysis
• EKG
• Echocardiogram