Energy-Boosting Foods for COPD Slideshow Bronchitis Slideshow Pictures Worst Smog Cities in America Slideshow

Medical Author:

Eloise M Harman, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Outlook

• Outlook of persons with ARDS has improved over the last 20 years; 60%-70% of persons survive.
  
  
• Persons with a poor outlook include those older than 65 years and those with sepsis as the underlying cause. The adverse effect of age may be related to the underlying health status.
  
  
• Survivors of ARDS may recover normal lung function. However, some of them may have residual lung impairment or persistent muscle weakness. Typically, the lung dysfunction is mild, but ARDS can lead to severe lung damage and a reduced health-related quality of life.
  
  
• Severe disease and prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation are predictors of persistent abnormalities in lung function.