Which condition involves sudden respiratory failure with destruction of alveoli?

• A. ARDS
• B. COPD
• C. Pneumonia
• D. Pulmonary Edema

Answer: (A)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is marked by a sudden onset of severe breathlessness and rapid respiratory failure caused by diffuse injury to the alveolar-capillary barrier. This injury allows protein-rich fluid to flood the alveoli, disrupts surfactant, and damages the alveolar walls, leading to loss of aerated lung tissue and the formation of hyaline membranes. The result is stiff lungs with markedly impaired gas exchange and profound hypoxemia that often requires intensive support. This pattern of abrupt respiratory collapse with widespread alveolar damage fits the scenario best. In contrast, chronic COPD involves long-standing destruction of alveolar walls, not a sudden onset; pneumonia centers on infection with focal consolidation rather than diffuse alveolar destruction; pulmonary edema involves fluid accumulation in alveoli but not the same alveolar wall injury seen in ARDS.