Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Pathophysiology, current management and implications for physiotherapy

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an intensive care condition first described more than three decades ago. Recent advances in the understanding of its pathology and management are reviewed. Of particular relevance to physiotherapists are the characteristic metabolic, haemodynamic and respiratory consequences of ARDS. These have implications for physiotherapy practice as chest physiotherapy has been demonstrated to have metabolic, haemodynamic and respiratory effects. Application of chest physiotherapy may exacerbate or attenuate these effects. However, there is a lack of research in this area.