INTRODUCTION The Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a prevalent cause of respiratory failure among critically ill patients, characterized by the sudden onset of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, hypoxemia, and the requirement for mechanical ventilation. ARDS commonly manifests in the context of pneumonia, sepsis, aspiration of gastric contents, or severe trauma, affecting around 10% of all patients in intensive care units globally. Despite advancements, the mortality rate remains high at 30–40% in most research studies. Pathological examinations of ARDS patients frequently indicate widespread alveolar damage, while laboratory investigations have revealed injury to both alveolar epithelial and lung endothelial cells, leading to the accumulation of protein-rich inflammatory edematous fluid in the alveolar space. The diagnosis is predicated on consensual syndromic criteria, with adjustments for under-resourced settings and pediatric patients. Therapy primarily centers on