DefinitionAcute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung condition that prevents enough oxygen from getting into the blood.See also: Infant respiratory distress syndromeAlternative NamesNoncardiogenic pulmonary edema; Increased-permeability pulmonary edema; Stiff lung; Shock lung; ARDS; Acute lung injuryCauses, incidence, and risk factorsARDS can be caused by any major swelling (inflammation) or injury to the lung. Some common causes include:Breathing vomit into the lungs (aspiration)Inhaling chemicalsPneumoniaSeptic shockTraumaARDS leads to a buildup of fluid in the air sacs. This fluid prevents enough oxygen from passing into the bloodstream.The fluid buildup also makes the lungs heavy and stiff, and decreases the lungs' ability to expand. The level of oxygen in th