Acute respiratory failure in tropics

In the tropics, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an important cause or intensive care unit (ICU) admission. ARDS in the tropics can occur due to diverse causes. In patients presenting with ARDS in the tropics, various pulmonary infections, poisoning, toxins, heat stroke, among others should be given a serious consideration. In the tropics, in patients presenting with ARDS of unknown etiology, a high index of suspicion should be kept. All efforts should focus on early identification and confirmation of the etiological cause. Institution of specific therapy in addition to critical care including ventilator support can be life-saving in these patients.