Why does interstitial edema impair oxygen diffusion from alveoli to pulmonary capillaries in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

💡 Explanation

Interstitial edema increases the distance for oxygen diffusion because fluid accumulation expands the space between the alveoli and capillaries, impeding gas exchange. Therefore, the oxygen diffusion is reduced, rather than alveolar surface tension decreasing or blood pH increasing.

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