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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Education, care, support, and communication for patients, survivors, families, friends, medical personnel, and others affected by and/or interested in ARDS.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is an acute, severe injury to most or all of both lungs. Patients with ARDS experience severe shortness of breath and often require mechanical ventilation (life support) because of respiratory failure. ARDS is not a specific disease; instead, it is a type of severe, acute lung dysfunction that is associated with a variety of diseases, such as pneumonia, shock, sepsis (a severe infection in the body) and trauma. ARDS can be confused with congestive heart failure, which is another common condition that can also cause acute respiratory distress.

We at the ARDS Support Center welcome you to our website.  It is our hope that you will find the information, and support you are searching for. To the left you will find links to the different sections of ASC.   

Answers to many of your questions can be found in the "Learn About ARDS" section of our website.  We are currently working on a search engine that will make finding answers to your questions much easier.  Please be patient.  If you are unable to find an answer to your question please do not hesitate to contact  members of the Support Staff  who will help you in any way they can.  If you would like to discuss what you are going through with someone else who has had a similar experience please select two of the support staff members who will be able to offer support and understanding.

ARDS Brochure "Understanding ARDS" now online

Revisions have been made to our online version of the Brochure.  These revisions were created on 10/5/2001.  Information has been expanded along with the addition of a new section.  Please read if you have not already.