Take a deep breath: managing the challenges of acute respiratory distress syndrome cases

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains a major challenge in trauma care, with high morbidity and mortality. Current management emphasizes lung-protective ventilation, careful fluid balance, and a multidisciplinary approach. New areas of discovery, such as ARDS phenotyping, precision medicine, ECMO innovations, and evolving adjunctive therapies, are reshaping practice and offering opportunities for improved outcomes. This comprehensive review highlights the current understanding of ARDS and management essentials and underscores the importance of emerging therapies that offer the clearest path to further reduce ARDS morbidity and mortality.