NCA Respiratory Practice Exam 2025 - Free Respiratory Practice Questions and Study Guide

Pneumonia is recognized as a common infectious respiratory illness, characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue due to infection. This infection can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The inflammation leads to symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, which are typical indicators of pneumonia.

In contrast, the other conditions listed are not primarily classified as infectious. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways and is often triggered by allergens or irritants rather than infections. Fibrosis, such as pulmonary fibrosis, involves scarring of lung tissue and may result from long-term environmental exposures or idiopathic causes, but it is not considered an infectious disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also a progressive lung condition primarily associated with long-term exposure to irritants like tobacco smoke and is not caused by infections.

Therefore, pneumonia stands out among these conditions as it directly results from infectious agents, making it a key focus in both clinical practice and public health.