The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1916-02-05
PNEUMONIA.
Factors Entering Into Contraction and
Spread of Disease.

actors Entering into contraction and
Spread of Disease
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 one-ninth
of all fatalities, are the only diseases
which outrank pneumonia among the
legion OF the causes of death, but in
certain cities pneumonia is steadily
increasing and even has surpassed
i the mortality from tuberculosis
Seventy per cent of all cases occur
between December and May. 1t is
distinctly cold weather infection,
seemingly brought by wintry blasts,
but especially prevalent during the
winter season only because its. vic
Tins are rendered more susceptible at
that time by exposure, debilitating in
f1uences and the presence of predis-
posing infections.
i Pneumonia principally affects those
at the extremes of life, but no age is
exempt. 1t is invariably germ dis
ease. The predisposing and exciting
organisms are SO numerous that it
would be futile to attempt their emu
meration. Many of them are con-
stantly present in the mouths and
throats of healthy persons, and it is
only through the aid which we un-
Willingly extend to them that they
ganisms toone of mans most power
ful enemies,
The presence of other diseases is
the great predisposing cause of
pneumonia, They prepare the soil
for invasion. Holding first rank in
this category is influenza, the in
creased incidence of pneumonia at
this time being largely due to tie
present epidemic Of la grippe. In
diyiduals suffering from this infec-
ton are peculiarly susceptible to res
piratory complications and should
properly observe every hygienic rule.
Inflammation of the upper air pas
sages, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and
tonsilitis often predispose to the de-
yelopment of the disease, particular
~ among the aged and infirm. The
acute contagious diseases of chik9I
mood, more especially measles anof1
wAoopng cough, frequently prepare
The way for pneumonia, Anyone who
through neglect or carelessness per-
m.ts the spread of these infections is
therefore open to the severest con-
demnation. 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
chronic, developing from any cause,
increases susceptibility. Because of |
this the disease most often attacks
those at the extremes of life. AnongI
sdebi1itating influences must be men
toned cold, exposure to penetrating
winds, and the chilling of body sur
faces as a result Of wetting.
The combination of lack of food /
and fatigue proves particularly dis
astrous during the winter season and
is condition to be avoided when
ever possible. Bad housing, mental |
or physical harassment, and over
work are alike the advance agents of I
the infection. OvercroWding, in
street cars, theatres, and other pub
lie places, is unquestionably in part
responsible for the spread of pneu-
monia in cities, as far greater op-
portunity is thus offered for the disq
semination Of the predisposing dist
eases through indiscriminate cough
ing and other means of droplet in
fection, as well as the directly in
furious effects which inevitably result.
from exposure to such environment.
The overheating of rooms is also
seemingly harmful. Promiscuous ex-
pectoration may be, and probably is,
a factor in infection and consequent
ly should be avoided by every citizen.
A remaining most important agent7
should be mentioned-alcohol. 1t is
in truth the handmaiden of pneu-
monia, and there is none more GER
tain or more sure of success, especial
ly 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
of from ten to thirty per
cent. it should be remembered that
our scientific data are not yet COM
plete. There are problems connect
ed with immunity, predisposition, and
the occurrence of epidemics which are
vet to be solved. It is known that
pneumonia frequently attacks those
who are perfectly well, and who ap-
parently have observed every hy-
gienic rule Whether this is due to
the increased virulence of the organ
ism or to other causes is unexplained.
1t is, however, recognized that avoid
ance of the factors SO briefly emu
merated will in large part diminish
Individual susceptibility and there
fore the incidence of the disease.