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Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome - Causes - Causes

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Damage to the lung\u2019s air sacs\u2014called alveoli\u2014causes ARDS. Fluid from tiny blood vessels leaks through the damaged walls of the air sacs and collects, limiting the lungs\u2019 normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The damage also causes Inflammation Inflammation (IN-fluh-MAY-shun):
A reaction to injury of the body. The signs of inflammation are swelling, redness, or pain. that leads to the breakdown of surfactant surfactant (ser-FAK-tant):
A foamy substance that forms a thin layer within the lungs to help keep the lungs\u2019 air sacs open. It is made up of proteins and fats. \u2014a liquid that helps keep your air sacs open.

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The air sacs may become damaged as a result of an illness, such as a lung infection, or breathing in smoke. Other illnesses or injuries may trigger inflammation that damages the air sacs. To understand ARDS, you may also want to read about how the lungs work.

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\n \"Illustration \n
\n Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The image on the left shows the location of the lungs, trachea, and bronchi within the body. The middle image shows the normal gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the air sacs. The image on the right shows the fluid buildup in the air sacs of someone who has ARDS. The fluid buildup prevents gas exchange. Medical Illustration Copyright \u00a9 2019 Nucleus Medical Media, All rights reserved. \n
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Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/subscribe/3807
Source Agency: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Captured Date: 2019-09-17 18:13:00.0
","description":"Damage to the lung\u2019s air sacs\u2014called alveoli\u2014causes ARDS. Fluid from tiny blood vessels leaks through the damaged walls of the air sacs and collects, limiting the lungs\u2019 normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The damage also causes inflammation that leads to the breakdown of surfactant\u2014a liquid that helps keep your air sacs open.","id":18861,"mediaType":"Html","name":"Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome - Causes","sourceUrl":"https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/subscribe/3807"}]}