Which organ system is primarily affected in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is primarily characterized by significant inflammation and damage to the alveolar-capillary membrane in the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange. This condition results from various causes, including pneumonia, sepsis, and trauma, which all affect the lung’s ability to transfer oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide effectively.

In ARDS, the primary organ system impacted is the respiratory system because the clinical manifestations revolve around severe hypoxemia and breathing difficulties. Patients typically present with rapid onset of respiratory failure, requiring supplemental oxygen and potentially mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygenation.

While other organ systems may be affected by complications arising from ARDS or the underlying conditions that cause it, such as cardiovascular issues from hypoxemia or stress response from systemic inflammation, the respiratory system is directly and fundamentally impaired in ARDS. This defining characteristic is what differentiates ARDS from other medical conditions, affirming that the respiratory system is the primary target of this severe condition.