To Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome . It occurs when fluid fills up the air sacs in your lungs. Hospital infection control guidance for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) (Seth Keller) In ARDS, fluid builds up inside the tiny air sacs of the lungs, and surfactant breaks down. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an inflammatory process in the lungs that induces non-hydrostatic protein-rich pulmonary oedema. It occurs when fluid fills up the air sacs in your lungs. Most respiratory illnesses, including SARS, spread through droplets that enter the air when someone with the disease coughs, sneezes or talks. ARDS was recognized as the most severe form of acute lung injury (ALI), a form of diffuse alveolar injury. Causes of Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS ... Biomarkers of acute respiratory distress syn...