Stroke & Pneumonia: Understanding the Increased Risk

Stroke survivors have an increased risk of pneumonia. This is because strokes can damage the brain, leading to difficulty with swallowing, coughing and breathing. These factors can make people more susceptible to pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs.

In addition, stroke survivors may also be more likely to be hospitalized, which further increases their risk of pneumonia. Hospitals are full of bacteria and viruses, and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to get sick.