Final answer:
Pneumonia and pulmonary edema cause fluid accumulation in alveoli, disrupting normal gas exchange by increasing the barrier for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. Treatment often includes antibiotics for pneumonia and addressing underlying causes for pulmonary edema. Vaccination can prevent pneumonia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pneumonia and pulmonary edema both increase the thickness of the barrier in gas exchange because they cause fluid accumulation in the alveoli, leading to a reduction in the lungs’ ability to properly exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. Pneumonia, which may be caused by infections, inflames the alveoli and fills them with fluid, while pulmonary edema entails fluid leaking into the alveoli because of heart problems or other medical conditions. Both conditions disrupt the normal air flow and blood flow in the lungs, leading to a condition known as physiological shunt, where ventilation is decreased but not perfusion, changing the V/Q ratio and subsequently impairing gas exchange.
In the case of pneumonia, treatment typically involves antibiotics if the cause is bacterial. For pulmonary edema and other related pulmonary diseases, addressing the underlying cause is essential to manage the disease. Preventative measures such as vaccination are available for pneumonia to reduce the risk of developing the infection.