Final answer:
A person with pneumonia has inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs, commonly caused by bacteria or viruses, with treatments including antibiotics and preventative vaccines.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person with pneumonia has an inflammation of the alveoli of the lungs. Pneumonia is a significant respiratory tract disease that impacts the gas exchange process due to the alveoli being filled with fluid. The majority of cases are caused by infections from bacteria or viruses, with the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae being the most common pathogen.
Individuals with conditions that weaken the immune system, such as chronic heart or lung disease, or those who have a history of smoking, are more at risk of developing pneumonia. Treatments often include antibiotics, especially for bacterial pneumonia, and vaccines are available that can prevent certain types of pneumonia.