Final answer:
Bronchitis is an infection of the bronchioles leading to inflammation. If the infection spreads to the alveoli, it results in pneumonia, where fluid accumulation impairs gas exchange, causing breathing difficulty and requiring antibiotics for treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Infection in the bronchioles typically refers to bronchitis, which is an inflammation of the bronchi - the air passages that lead to the lungs. The bronchi become red, swollen, and filled with mucus due to the infection, often caused by viruses or bacteria. Acute bronchitis presents symptoms such as a cough with phlegm, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Antibiotics are commonly used for treatment if bacteria are the underlying cause.
Pneumonia is a more severe condition where the infection spreads to the alveoli, the tiny sacs in the lungs responsible for gas exchange. When the alveoli are filled with fluid due to inflammation, it becomes difficult for oxygen and carbon dioxide to be exchanged, leading to symptoms like coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms and is usually treated with antibiotics.
Bacterial pneumonia is particularly prevalent, caused by specific bacterial species such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. With bacterial pneumonia, the alveoli fill with fluid and white blood cells, impairing air exchange and leading to respiratory distress.