7876128
Courtesy Photo Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Chemical and Biological Technologies Department Healthy Alveoli: Healthy lungs allow for efficient oxygen exchange within the alveoli (tiny air sacs at the end of narrow passageways within the lungs). Fluid-Filled Alveoli: When an individual is affected by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the alveoli fill with fluid as a result of the inflammation process and become less efficient at gas exchange. This causes difficulty in breathing and reduced oxygen delivery to vital organs. (Getty images by Refluo)
