<qa>  What is the cause of ARDS?Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome ARDS is a severe lung disease caused by both direct and indirect inflammatory injury. It is characterized by inflammation of the lung parenchyma leading to impaired gas exchange and abnormal respiratory system compliance. Hypoxemia and the release of systemically active cytokines frequently result in multiple organ failure and death. ARDS typically requires mechanical ventilation and admission to an intensive care unit. 