Which of the following is a common cause of ARDS?

Pneumonia is a common cause of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) due to its ability to cause widespread pulmonary inflammation and damage to the alveolar-capillary membrane. This condition can arise from both infectious and non-infectious etiologies, with pneumonia being a leading factor in the development of ARDS in hospitalized patients.

In the context of pneumonia, the pathogens involved can trigger an inflammatory response that leads to fluid accumulation in the alveoli, impaired gas exchange, and decreased lung compliance, all characteristic features of ARDS. This inflammatory response can be exacerbated in cases of severe pneumonia, where the body's immune response results in extensive lung injury, further aggravating respiratory distress.

Other conditions, such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, are primarily obstructive airway diseases that may lead to respiratory issues but are less commonly associated directly with ARDS compared to pneumonia. While these conditions can complicate respiratory status, they do not typically incite the acute inflammatory response that characterizes ARDS like pneumonia does.