Acute Lung Injury (ALI) and its more severe form, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), represent a spectrum of life-threatening inflammatory lung conditions. Characterized by a sudden onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs, ALI/ARDS disrupts the normal gas exchange process, leading to hypoxemia – a dangerously low level of oxygen in the blood. This acute respiratory failure necessitates prompt recognition and intensive care.
ALI/ARDS isn’t a primary disease but rather a complex pulmonary response to various direct or indirect insults. Common triggers include severe infections like pneumonia and sepsis, trauma, aspiration of gastric contents, and other systemic inflammatory conditions.
The hallmark of ALI/ARDS is an increase in permeability of the alveolar-capillary barrier, causing protein-rich fluid to leak into the alveoli, impairing surfactant function and leading to alveolar collapse. Understanding the intricate pathophysiology of ALI/ARDS is crucial for developing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes.
