Final answer:
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a condition characterized by severe inflammation of the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange. In ARDS, several changes occur in the respiratory system, including hypoxia, injury to the alveoli, and injury to the pulmonary circulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a condition characterized by severe inflammation of the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange. In ARDS, several changes occur in the respiratory system. Hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, is a common feature of ARDS. The alveoli, which are small air sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange, can also be injured in ARDS.
Additionally, ARDS can cause injury to the pulmonary circulation, which includes the network of blood vessels that transport blood between the heart and lungs. These changes contribute to the impaired gas exchange observed in individuals with ARDS.