What organ is the first to fail in multiple organ failure?

The organ most commonly affected first in multiple organ failure is usually the lung. Under severe triggers such as infection, trauma, or shock, the lung—being the first major internal organ exposed directly to the external environment—is most vulnerable to initial dysfunction, which can then trigger a cascade effect involving other organs. If symptoms such as rapid breathing or decreased blood oxygen levels occur, immediate medical attention is recommended.

The lung is the core organ for gas exchange in the human body and also plays an important role in immune defense. Under conditions of severe stress, systemic inflammatory responses primarily target lung tissue, causing damage to the alveolar capillary endothelium and leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), manifested as dyspnea and hypoxemia.

Once pulmonary function fails, hypoxia rapidly impairs metabolic functions of vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver, activates a systemic inflammatory cascade, disrupts homeostasis, and ultimately results in sequential multiple organ failure. Clinical data show that the incidence of lung failure is significantly higher than that of other organs.

It is important to maintain respiratory health in daily life by avoiding smoking and exposure to dust or harmful gases, and by preventing lung infections. In cases of severe trauma or infection, promptly correcting hypoxia and maintaining stable respiratory function can help reduce inflammatory damage to multiple organs.