Pneumonia – Notes

Definition:
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that inflames the alveoli in one or both lungs, filling them with pus and fluid.

"Pneumonia causes, symptoms, and treatment. Learn about bacterial & viral pneumonia, prevention, and care for children & adults."

Causes:

  • Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae (most common)
  • Viruses: Human rhinovirus, influenza virus
  • Fungi: Rare cases

Symptoms:

  • Cough with phlegm
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Fever
  • Bluish skin
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • High heart rate

Treatment:

  • Bacterial pneumonia: Antibiotics
  • Pain & fever: Analgesics
  • Prevention: Vaccination for children and adults

Key Facts:

  • Pneumonia is a leading cause of death in children under 5.
  • In 2017, over 808,000 children under 5 died due to pneumonia.

Pneumonia MCQs with Answers & Explanations

  1. Pneumonia primarily affects which part of the respiratory system?
    (a) Trachea
    (b) Bronchi
    (c) Alveoli
    (d) Larynx

Answer: (c) Alveoli
Explanation: Pneumonia inflames the alveoli, filling them with pus and fluid, which affects oxygen exchange.

  1. The most common bacterial cause of pneumonia is:
    (a) Escherichia coli
    (b) Streptococcus pneumoniae
    (c) Staphylococcus aureus
    (d) Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Answer: (b) Streptococcus pneumoniae
Explanation: This bacterium is responsible for the majority of bacterial pneumonia cases.

  1. Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of pneumonia?
    (a) Cough with phlegm
    (b) Chest pain
    (c) Hair loss
    (d) Shortness of breath

Answer: (c) Hair loss
Explanation: Hair loss is unrelated; other options are classic symptoms of pneumonia.

  1. Pneumonia in children under 5 years is responsible for approximately what percentage of deaths worldwide?
    (a) 5%
    (b) 10%
    (c) 15%
    (d) 20%

Answer: (c) 15%
Explanation: Pneumonia caused over 808,000 deaths in children under 5 in 2017, about 15% of deaths in this age group.

  1. The best preventive measure against bacterial and viral pneumonia is:
    (a) Painkillers
    (b) Vaccination
    (c) Antibiotics
    (d) Bed rest

Answer: (b) Vaccination
Explanation: Vaccines protect against certain bacterial and viral strains causing pneumonia.

  1. Pneumonia can be caused by which types of organisms?
    (a) Only bacteria
    (b) Only viruses
    (c) Bacteria, viruses, and fungi
    (d) Only fungi

Answer: (c) Bacteria, viruses, and fungi
Explanation: While bacteria and viruses are the main causes, fungi can rarely cause pneumonia.

  1. Which symptom indicates severe oxygen deficiency in pneumonia patients?
    (a) Fever
    (b) Chest pain
    (c) Bluish skin
    (d) Loss of appetite

Answer: (c) Bluish skin
Explanation: Cyanosis (bluish skin) occurs when oxygen levels in the blood drop.

  1. Which of the following treatments is used specifically for bacterial pneumonia?
    (a) Analgesics
    (b) Antibiotics
    (c) Cough syrup
    (d) Surgery

Answer: (b) Antibiotics
Explanation: Antibiotics target bacterial infections; viral pneumonia is not treated with them.

  1. Which is a common viral cause of pneumonia?
    (a) Streptococcus pneumoniae
    (b) Influenza virus
    (c) Candida albicans
    (d) Staphylococcus aureus

Answer: (b) Influenza virus
Explanation: Influenza virus and human rhinovirus can cause viral pneumonia.

  1. What fills the alveoli in pneumonia?
    (a) Air only
    (b) Pus and fluid
    (c) Blood
    (d) Mucus only

Answer: (b) Pus and fluid
Explanation: Inflammation leads to accumulation of pus and fluid, hindering oxygen exchange.

  1. Which of the following is a non-pharmacological preventive measure for pneumonia?
    (a) Vaccination
    (b) Good hygiene and avoiding smoking
    (c) Antibiotics
    (d) Analgesics

Answer: (b) Good hygiene and avoiding smoking
Explanation: These reduce exposure to pathogens and maintain lung health.

  1. High heart rate in pneumonia patients is due to:
    (a) Fever and oxygen deficiency
    (b) Pain in chest
    (c) Bacterial infection only
    (d) Viral infection only

Answer: (a) Fever and oxygen deficiency
Explanation: The body increases heart rate to compensate for low oxygen and fever.

  1. Analgesics in pneumonia are used for:
    (a) Killing bacteria
    (b) Reducing fever and pain
    (c) Preventing infection
    (d) Boosting immunity

Answer: (b) Reducing fever and pain
Explanation: Analgesics do not treat infection but provide symptom relief.

  1. Shortness of breath in pneumonia occurs because:
    (a) Bronchi are blocked
    (b) Alveoli are filled with pus and fluid
    (c) Heart is weak
    (d) Trachea is inflamed

Answer: (b) Alveoli are filled with pus and fluid
Explanation: Fluid-filled alveoli reduce oxygen intake, causing difficulty in breathing.

  1. Which age group is most vulnerable to pneumonia-related deaths?
    (a) Adults 20–40
    (b) Children under 5
    (c) Teenagers
    (d) Elderly 60+

Answer: (b) Children under 5
Explanation: Children have weaker immunity and are at higher risk from pneumonia.

Short Questions – Pneumonia

  1. Define pneumonia.
    Answer: Acute respiratory infection inflaming alveoli, filled with pus and fluid.

  2. Name two main causes of pneumonia.
    Answer: Bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae) and viruses (e.g., influenza virus).

  3. List three common symptoms of pneumonia.
    Answer: Cough with phlegm, chest pain, shortness of breath.

  4. What is cyanosis?
    Answer: Bluish skin due to low oxygen in the blood.

  5. How is bacterial pneumonia treated?
    Answer: With antibiotics.

  6. Name one preventive measure for pneumonia.
    Answer: Vaccination.

  7. Why does pneumonia cause shortness of breath?
    Answer: Alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, reducing oxygen exchange.

  8. Which symptom shows severe oxygen deficiency?
    Answer: Bluish skin (cyanosis).

  9. Can fungi cause pneumonia?
    Answer: Yes, but rarely.

  10. What is the role of analgesics in pneumonia?
    Answer: To reduce fever and relieve pain.

Long Questions – Pneumonia

  1. Explain pneumonia, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.

  2. Discuss why pneumonia is a leading cause of death in children under five.

  3. Compare bacterial and viral pneumonia in terms of cause, symptoms, and treatment.

  4. Describe how fluid and pus accumulation in alveoli affects oxygen intake.

  5. Explain the role of vaccination in preventing pneumonia in children and adults.


Pneumonia Quiz

Pneumonia Quiz