Pneumonia and tuberculosis primarily affect which system?

Pneumonia and tuberculosis are both infectious diseases that specifically target the lungs and the overall function of the respiratory system. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs, often caused by infection, which can lead to symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily infects lung tissue but can also affect other parts of the body.

Both conditions result in respiratory symptoms because they disrupt normal breathing processes, interfere with gas exchange in the lungs, and may lead to complications like fluid accumulation or lung damage. This clear association with the respiratory system distinguishes these illnesses from those that affect the digestive, urinary, or reproductive systems, as those would involve entirely different anatomical and physiological pathways. Understanding the primary systems affected by various diseases is critical for effective diagnosis and treatment.