Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung that may damage the lung tissue and is usually associated with symptoms like a cough, sputum production, and sometimes fever. Unlike other respiratory illnesses, it primarily affects the alveoli and is often treated with antibiotics.
The acute or chronic inflammation of the lung that may damage lung tissue, usually associated with cough and production of sputum and sometimes fever, is typically referred to as pneumonia. This inflammatory disease targets primarily the alveoli, or the tiny air sacs of the lungs, where it causes fluid accumulations that hinder gas exchange. Pneumonia can be triggered by various viral or bacterial infections and its treatment often includes the administration of antibiotics. Vaccinations can help prevent some types of pneumonia. It is crucial to differentiate pneumonia from other respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which also present with respiratory symptoms but have different causes and treatments. For instance, while acute bronchitis results in inflammation and mucus build-up in the bronchial tubes and typically follows a cold or flu, COPD is characterized by chronic poor airflow and is often linked to smoking.