Recurrent bacterial pneumonia: a contemporary perspective.

Numerous clinical disorders predispose to "recurrent bacterial pneumonia." Identification and treatment of some of these predisposing conditions will reduce associated morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditures. In young adults these disorders include cystic fibrosis, the immotile-cilia syndrome, Young's syndrome, pulmonary sequestration, and bronchiectasis. Disorders enhancing recurrent bacterial pneumonia in older adults include chronic obstructive lung disease, bronchial obstruction, specific malignancies, hypogammaglobulinemia, alcoholism, neurologic diseases, and esophageal abnormalities.