Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1916-02-06
PNEUMONIA.

Ten per cent OF the deaths in the
United States result from pneumonia
It is estimated that during the past
thirty days this rate has been doubled
in some sections. tuberculosis and
heart disease. each causing oBs-ninth
Of all fatalities, are the only diseases
which outrank pneumonia among the
legion of the men Of death, but in GER
tain cities pneumonia is steadily in
creasing and even has surpassed the
mortality from tuberculosis. Seventy
per cent Of all cases occur between
December and May. 1t is distinctly a
cold waater Infection, seemingly
brought by wintry blasts, but espec-
tally prevalent during the winter
season only because its victims are
rendered more susceptible at hat
time by exposure, facilitating inffu-
.cnces and the presence of predispos-
ing infections.
Pneumonia principally affects those
at the extremes Of life, butt no age is
exempt It is invariably a germ dis
ease. The predisposing and exciting
organisms are so numerous that it
would be futile to attempt their enum-
GRAFTON. Many of them are constantly
present in the mouths and throats of
healthy persons and it is only through
the aid which we unwittingly extend
to them that they are transformed
from harmless organisms to one of
mans most powerful enemies.
The presence Of other diseases is
the great predisposing cause of pneu-
monia. They prepare the soil for in
yasion. Holding first rank in this
category is influenza, the increased in
cidence Of pneumonia at this time be-
ing largely due to the present epidemic
of la groppe. Individuals suffering
from this infection are peculiarly sus-
ceptible to respiratory complications
and should properly observe every
hygienic rule. Inflammation of the
upper air passages, pharyngitis, bron-
chitis, and tonsillitiH, often predis-
pose to the development of the dis
ease, particularly among the aged and
infrm. The acute contagious diseases
Of childhood, more especially measles
and whooping cough, frequently pre-
pare the way for pneumonia. Anyone
who through neglect or carelessness
permits the spread of these infections
Is therefore open to the severest con-
domination. Exhausting disease of
whatever nature, is often sufficient to
SO reduce our resistance that we are
unable to cope with organisms which
Should be easily overcome, and hence
predisposes to the infection.
Debility, either temporary or chron-
IL. developing from any cause, in
creases susceptibility. Because OF
this the disease most often attacks
those at the extremes fife. Among
facilitating influences must be men
toned cold, exposure to penetrating
winds, and the chilling of body sur
faces as a result of wetting. The COM
bination of lack of food and Antique
proves particularly disastrous dur
ihg the winter season and is a condi-
ton to be avoided whenever possible
Bad housing, mental or physical har-
assment, and overwork are alike the
advance agents of the infection. Over
crowding in street cars, theatres, and
other public places, is unquestionably
in part responsible for the spread of
pneumonia in cities, as far greater
opportunity is thus offered for the dis
semlnation Of the predisposing dis
ease through indiscriminate coughing
and other means of droplet infection.
as well as the directly injurious eff
iects which inevitably result from ex-
pcsure to such environment. The ov-
erhaating of rooms is also seemingly
harmful. Promiscuous expectoration
may be, and probably is, factor in
infection and cOnSuuentlv should bo