Which condition is inflammation of the lungs, with viral and bacterial etiologies, and can be more serious when bacterial?

• A. Pulmonary edema
• B. Pleurisy
• C. Pneumonia
• D. TB

Answer: (C)

Inflammation of lung tissue caused by infection can be described as pneumonia. This condition can be triggered by viruses, such as influenza or RSV, or by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae. The inflammatory process fills the air sacs (alveoli) with fluid and immune cells, leading to symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. Bacterial pneumonia often presents more acutely with higher fever and productive cough and can cause more significant consolidation in the lungs, making the illness appear more severe. Viral pneumonia is common and can be milder, but it may predispose the lungs to a secondary bacterial infection, which can worsen illness. Other options describe different lung conditions: pulmonary edema is fluid buildup from heart or volume overload, pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura causing chest pain, and TB is a chronic infection with a distinct course and presentation.