Smoking raises risk of contracting pneumonia

Pneumonia, a potentially deadly disease, is more common in people who smoke, according to a top Turkish physician.

"Cigarette smoking weakens the immune system and causes pneumonia," said Dr. Filiz Koşar of the University of Health Sciences in Istanbul.

Pneumonia is mostly caused by infections produced by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, she added, speaking with Anadolu Agency to mark the Prevention of Pneumonia Deaths Week.

Koşar stressed that the disease can lead to death, especially in children 5 years old and younger and people with structural lung disorders.

Koşar stressed that the consumption of 10-20 cigarettes a day more than doubles the risk of pneumonia, while smoking a whole pack of cigarettes nearly triples the risk.

Proper eating, adequate fluid intake, quitting smoking, and pneumococcal and flu vaccination are among the most effective ways to prevent pneumonia, she added.