Which infection is characterized by acute inflammation of lung tissue leading to symptoms like fever, chills, and chest pain?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Tuberculosis (TB)
• C. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• D. Emphysema

Answer: (A)

Pneumonia is characterized by an acute inflammation of lung tissue, typically caused by infection from bacteria, viruses, or fungi. This inflammatory process leads to the filling of alveoli (the air sacs in the lungs) with fluid or pus, which disrupts normal gas exchange.

The symptoms associated with pneumonia include fever and chills as the body responds to the infection, and chest pain, which can occur due to inflammation of the lining of the lungs or as a result of coughing. The acute manifestation of these symptoms aligns well with the nature of pneumonia, distinguishing it from other conditions that may have similar respiratory symptoms but do not present with acute inflammation in the same way.

In contrast, tuberculosis is a chronic infection that primarily affects the lungs and may present with symptoms over a longer period, including night sweats and a persistent cough, but not typically with the immediate acute response seen in pneumonia. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and emphysema are chronic conditions related to long-term respiratory issues and do not involve the acute inflammatory process characteristic of pneumonia.