Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) was first formally described in 1967 by Ashbaugh and colleagues, who identified a syndrome of severe respiratory failure that did not respond to standard oxygen therapy. Over the past five decades, the medical community has shifted from viewing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome as a simple lung injury to recognizing it as a complex, systemic inflammatory response that requires highly specialized critical care. When was Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome first identified? While clinicians had observed similar clinical patterns during wartime—often termed "Da Nang lung" during the Vietnam War—it was not until 1967 that Dr.
3 people with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
What is the history of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
History of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: when and how it was discovered, and the milestones in research since, medically reviewed.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) was first formally described in 1967 by Ashbaugh and colleagues, who identified a syndrome of severe respiratory failure that did not respond to standard oxygen therapy. Over the past five decades, the medical community has shifted from viewing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome as a simple lung injury to recognizing it as a complex, systemic inflammatory response that requires highly specialized critical care.
When was Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome first identified?
While clinicians had observed similar clinical patterns during wartime—often termed "Da Nang lung" during the Vietnam War—it was not until 1967 that Dr. David Ashbaugh and his team at the University of Colorado published their landmark paper in The Lancet. They defined the clinical criteria for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, distinguishing it from other causes of pulmonary edema and highlighting the need for mechanical ventilation.
How has the understanding of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome evolved?
Historically, researchers believed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome was primarily a localized lung injury. Modern research has corrected this, revealing that the condition is often a manifestation of systemic inflammation, such as sepsis or multi-organ failure. The transition from the "American-European Consensus Conference" (AECC) criteria in 1994 to the current "Berlin Definition" in 2012 has significantly improved diagnostic precision by stratifying severity based on oxygenation levels.
What are the major milestones in managing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome?
- 1970s: The introduction of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) to keep alveoli open.
- 2000: The ARDSNet trial proved that "low tidal volume ventilation" (6 mL/kg) significantly reduces mortality.
- 2013: The PROSEVA trial demonstrated that "prone positioning" (placing patients on their stomachs) improves survival in severe cases.
- Recent years: The rise of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) as a rescue therapy for refractory cases.
How has patient advocacy changed the landscape?
For those living with the aftermath of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, advocacy has shifted from mere survival to addressing "Post-Intensive Care Syndrome" (PICS). With 46 members currently sharing their experiences on DiseaseMaps.org, patients are increasingly driving research into the long-term physical and cognitive recovery required after surviving Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.
Next steps
- Consult with a pulmonologist or critical care specialist for long-term respiratory follow-up.
- Join the community at DiseaseMaps.org to connect with others who understand the recovery journey.
- Review resources from the ARDS Foundation to learn about ongoing clinical trials and support networks.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always seek the guidance of your physician regarding any medical condition.
References
- NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) - ARDS Overview
- The Berlin Definition of ARDS (Journal of the American Medical Association)
- ARDS Foundation (ardsusa.org)
- PubMed: Ashbaugh DG, et al. "Acute respiratory distress in adults" (1967)
Posted May 22, 2017 by Karin 2002
The hallmark of ARDS is diffuse injury to cells which form the alveolar barrier, surfactant dysfunction, activation of the innate immune response, and abnormal coagulation.[1] In effect, ARDS results in impaired gas exchange within the lungs at the level of the microscopic alveoli.
The syndrome is associated with a high mortality rate between 20 and 50%.[2] The mortality rate with ARDS varies widely based on severity, the patient's age, and the presence of other underlying medical conditions.
Although the terminology of "adult respiratory distress syndrome" has at times been used to differentiate ARDS from "infant respiratory distress syndrome" in neonates, international consensus is that "acute respiratory distress syndrome" is the best term because ARDS can affect those of all ages.[3]
Posted Jun 7, 2017 by Lyda 2442
A lot of Vietnam war service men were affected, most were healthy and didn’t have any underlying issues
Posted Dec 17, 2020 by tbrannock 2500
