What physiological change occurs after an aspiration injury that can trigger ARDS?

The release of chemical mediators is a crucial physiological change that occurs after an aspiration injury and can trigger the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). When aspirated materials, such as gastric contents, enter the lungs, they can damage the alveolar-capillary membrane. This damage triggers an inflammatory response, leading to the release of various chemical mediators, including cytokines and inflammatory proteins. These mediators promote increased vascular permeability, recruit immune cells to the site of injury, and contribute to the development of pulmonary edema.

This cascade of events enhances the inflammatory response and further exacerbates lung injury, making it a pivotal component in the pathogenesis of ARDS. The presence of these inflammatory mediators leads to clinical manifestations such as impaired gas exchange, decreased lung compliance, and hypoxemia characteristic of ARDS. Thus, the release of chemical mediators not only initiates the inflammatory process following aspiration but also plays a key role in the progression and severity of ARDS.