Connecticut western news., 1916-02-17
Pneumonia.


 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 one ninth of all fatalities, are the only diseases which outrank pm rumonia among the legion of the men of neath, but in cer- tain cities penumonia is steadily in. creasing and even has surpassed the mortality from tuberculosis. Seventy per cent of all cGses occur between 1 December and May It is distinctly cold weather infection, seemingly brought by wintry blasts but especially prevalent during the winter season only because its victims are rendered more susceptible at that time by exposure, facilitating influences and the presence of predisposing infections.
 Pneumonia principally affects those at the extremes of life, but no age is exempt. It is invariably germ dis. ease. The predisposing and exciting organisms are so numerous that it would be futile to attempt their enumeration. Many of them are con. stantly present in the mouths and throats of healthy persons and it is only through the and which we un. i wittingly extend to them that they are i transformed from harmless organisms to one of mans most powerful enemies.
 The presence of other diseases is the great prodisposing cause of pneumonia. They prepare the soil for invasion. Holding first rank in this category is influenza, the increased incidence of pneumonia at his time being largely due to the present epidemic of la grippe. Individuals suffering from this infection are peculiarly susceptible to respiratory complications and should properly observe every hygienic rule. Inflammation of the upper air passages, pharyngitis, bronchitis and tons:llitis, often predispose to the development of the disease, particularly among the aged and infirm. The acute conta. gious diseases of childhood, more especially measles and whooping cough, frequently prepare the way for pneu- monia. Anyone who through neglect or carelessness permits the spread of these infections is therefore open to the severest condemnation. 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 over come, and hence prodisposes to the in- lection.
 Debility, either temporary or chronic, developing from any cause, increases susceptibility. Because of this the disease most often attacks those at the extremes of life. Among facilitating influences must be mentioned cold, ex- posture to penetrating winds, and the chilling of body surfaces as result of wettIng. The combination of lack of food and fatigue proves particularly disastrous during the winter season and is a condition to be avoided when ever possible. Bad housing, mental or physical harassment, and overwork are alike the advance agents of the intec- tion. Overcrowding, 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 or the ssemination of the predispos. ing diseases thrt ugh indiscriminate coughing and other means of droplet infection, as we'll as the directly in- furious effects which inevitably result from exposure to such environment. The overheating of rooms is also seem- ingly harmful. Promiscuous expectora- tion may be, and probably is. factor in infection and consequently should be avoided by every citizen. A re- maining most important agent should be mentioned-alcohol. It is in truth the handmaiden of pneumonia, and there is none more certain or more sure of success, especially if literally and continuously used.
 While the foregoing facts constitute in part our knowledge of the reasons for the widespread dissemination of an infection which carries with it a mortality of from ten tc thirty per cent. it should be remembered that our scientific data are not yet complete. There are problems connected with inn munity, predisposition, aud the occur ence of epidemics which are yet to be solved. It is known that pneumonia frequently attacks those who are per- fectly well, and who apparently have observed every hygienic rule. Whether this is due to the increased virulence of the organism or to other causes is un- explained. It is, however, recognized that avoidance of the factors so briefly enumerated will in large part diminish individual susceptibility and therefore the incidence of the disease.