Alcohol also interferes with the actions of macrophages, the white blood cells that destroy bacteria and other microbes. Intravenous drug abusers are at risk for pneumonia from infections that originate at the injection site and spread through the blood stream. Medical Conditions People with AIDS and other medical conditions that damage the immune system are extremely susceptible to pneumonia. Cancers, especially leukemia and Hodgkin's disease, put patients at risk. Patients who are on steroid treatment, chemotherapy, or other medications that suppress the immune system are also prone to infection.
Chronic bronchitis can injure cilia action and increase the risk for bacterial infection.
Surgery, particularly splenectomy or operations that impair coughing, puts patients at higher risk for pneumonia. Certain genetic disorders predispose people with these problems to respiratory infections and pneumonia. These group are at lower risk, however, for more serious types of pneumonia. Email This to a Friend. All rights reserved.