A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting
a disease or condition. It is possible to develop pneumonia with
or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk
factors you have, the greater your chance of developing
pneumonia. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor
what you can do to reduce your risk. Smoking and Second-hand
Smoke People who smoke have a much higher risk of developing
pneumonia. If you stop smoking, your risk will gradually return
to normal. However, this may take as long as ten years. You are
also at risk for pneumonia if you are regularly exposed to
second-hand smoke. For example, children in households where the
parents smoke have higher rates of pneumonia than do children in
smoke-free households. Alcohol and Drug Abuse put you at a
higher risk of pneumonia. Intravenous drug use can increase your
risk of pneumonia and other infectious diseases. Crowded Living
Conditions The risk of pneumonia is increased among people
living in crowded cond