Final answer:
Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs caused by various microorganisms or hypersensitivity, leading to fluid-filled alveoli and respiratory symptoms. Bacterial pneumonia is the most common form, often treated with antibiotics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Synonym for Pneumonia
The term pneumonia refers to an acute inflammation of the lungs, often caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, or due to a hypersensitivity reaction. When someone has pneumonia, the tiny air sacs in the lungs, known as alveoli, become inflamed and filled with fluid, which disrupts the normal gas exchange process. This results in symptoms like coughing, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. The most common type, bacterial pneumonia, is typically caused by pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. These lead to the alveoli filling with fluids and white blood cells, a process known as consolidation, causing respiratory distress and potentially pleurisy. Treatment for bacterial pneumonia includes antibiotics, whereas management of other types depends on the specific cause.