National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) Practice Test

Which lung condition is primarily caused by a bacterial infection?

1. Pneumonia

2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

3. Asthma

4. Bronchiectasis

The correct answer is: Pneumonia

Pneumonia is primarily caused by a bacterial infection, making it the correct choice. It occurs when bacteria enter the lungs, leading to inflammation and filling the air sacs with fluid or pus. This condition typically results in symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Various bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, are common culprits in bacterial pneumonia. Other lung conditions listed, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, are primarily related to chronic respiratory issues rather than acute infections. COPD is mainly associated with long-term exposure to irritants, often from smoking, leading to the destruction of lung tissue. Asthma is an inflammatory disease primarily triggered by environmental factors and is characterized by hyperreactivity of the airways. Bronchiectasis involves the permanent dilation of bronchi usually due to chronic infections or conditions that affect lung function, but its etiology is different from that of pneumonia, often related to previous lung infections or genetic conditions rather than being primarily caused by a bacterial infection alone.