Which of the following can cause Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)?

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a serious condition characterized by sudden and widespread inflammation in the lungs, leading to reduced oxygenation of the body. Trauma is one of the recognized causes of ARDS, particularly in the context of blunt or penetrating injuries that may lead to direct lung damage, as well as subsequent inflammatory responses.

When trauma occurs, especially to the chest or when there is significant soft tissue injury, it can trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses that affect lung function. This can result in increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane, leading to pulmonary edema and impaired gas exchange. Therefore, the connection between trauma and the development of ARDS is well-documented, making trauma a primary cause of this syndrome.

In contrast, while conditions like cardiac dysfunction or asthma can influence respiratory function, they do not specifically lead to progressive lung injury and inflammation in the manner that trauma does in relation to ARDS. Allergies may trigger bronchospasm or exacerbations of asthma, but they are not typically associated with the direct lung injury and inflammatory profiles that characterize ARDS.