Lung Disease & Respiratory Health Center

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Pneumonia - What Increases Your Risk

You are more likely to get pneumonia if you:

Smoke. Cigarette smoking is the strongest risk factor for developing pneumonia in healthy young people.²
Have another medical condition, especially lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.
Are younger than 1 year of age or older than 65.
Have an impaired immune system.
Have a change in mental status (such as confusion or loss of consciousness) that increases the risk of breathing mucus or saliva from the nose or mouth, liquids, or food from the stomach into the lungs (aspiration).
Take medicine called a proton pump inhibitor (such as pantoprazole or omeprazole) that reduces the amount of stomach acid.³
Drink excessive amounts of alcohol.
Recently had a cold or the flu.
Don't get enough to eat to stay healthy (malnutrition).

You are more likely to have complications of pneumonia and may need to go to the hospital if you:

Are older than 65.
Have other illnesses (especially COPD, diabetes, asthma, chronic kidney failure, heart failure, and chronic liver disease).
Have gone to the hospital for another medical problem within the last 12 months.
Breathe mucus or stomach contents into your lungs (aspiration).
Have a changed mental status (such as delirium or dementia).
Have had your spleen removed or do not have a working spleen (such as in sickle cell disease).
Have an alcohol use problem.
Do not get enough healthy foods (malnutrition).
Have a weak immune system.
Reside in a place where people live close together, such as a college dorm or nursing home.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 18, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.