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Risk factors
Risk factors for pneumonia and bronchitis include:
Poor nutrition and general ill health (such as from alcohol abuse or while recovering from surgery) Chronic illness (lung disease, kidney disorders, sickle cell anemia, diabetes) Weakened immune systems (such as from AIDS or use of immunosuppressant drugs)
People older than 65 (especially those in nursing homes or other chronic care facilities) are at greatest risk for bacterial (pneumococcal) pneumonia. People who may not have these risk factors may still get pneumonia.
Additional risk factors for bronchitis include:
Smoking and secondhand smoke Chronic sinus infections Allergies Air pollutants, such as smoke or smog Contact with infected persons
Preventive measures
Pneumonia and bronchitis can be caused by influenza (flu). Getting a flu shot every fall is a good way to prevent these conditions from developing.
A vaccine against pneumococcal pneumonia is also available. It's usually given only to people at high risk of getting the disease and its life-threatening complications.
The viruses that cause bronchitis are contagious and are usually found in fluid from the mouth or nose of an infected person. Illness can spread by coughs and sneezes, by drinking glasses and eating utensils, and in used tissues or handkerchiefs. So, patients should use care to prevent spreading these diseases to other people.
You might increase your resistance to all respiratory diseases by keeping good health habits, eating a proper diet, getting plenty of rest and exercising regularly. These activities will also help you recover faster if you get sick.
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Related Articles
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External Sources
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American Lung Association
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National Institute on Aging
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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</b> Bacteria and viruses that cause bronchitis and pneumonia are usually found in the fluid of the mouth and nose.'))
