Health Tip: Are You at Greater Risk of Pneumonia?

(HealthDay News) — Pneumonia, a respiratory infection of the lung, can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says the following factors may increase your risk of contracting pneumonia:

  • Smoking cigarettes.
  • Having a recent respiratory infection, including the flu or a cold.
  • Having a chronic lung disease, such as cystic fibrosis.
  • Having cerebral palsy.
  • Having a neurological condition that makes swallowing more difficult, such as Parkinson’s disease.
  • Having a chronic health condition such as diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver or heart disease.
  • Being in a nursing home.
  • Having a compromised immune system.
  • Having had a recent surgery or medical trauma.