Alveolar Damage

Alveolar damage refers to harm to the tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli, which are responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood. When these structures are damaged—due to infections, inflammation, or injury—they become less effective at gas exchange. This can lead to poor oxygen levels in the blood and difficulty breathing. Damage may involve inflammation, fluid buildup, or destruction of the alveoli tissue, impairing lung function. It's a key feature in respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), requiring medical attention to support breathing and reduce further injury.