What is the most common cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

The most common cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is sepsis. Sepsis can lead to systemic inflammation and increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane, resulting in fluid accumulation in the lungs and impaired gas exchange, which are key features of ARDS.

Sepsis often arises from infections in various body systems but is particularly recognized for its role in eliciting ARDS due to the overwhelming inflammatory response it triggers. This response can lead to direct lung injury or contribute to a cascade of physiological changes that compromise respiratory function.

While conditions like pneumonia can certainly cause ARDS, they are typically secondary to the systemic effects of sepsis, which is a widespread cause that accounts for a significant proportion of ARDS cases seen in clinical settings. Other options, such as cardiac arrest and tuberculosis, are less common causes when considering the prevalence and mechanisms associated with ARDS.