Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1916-02-11
PNEUMONIA.


: Ten per cent of the deaths in til,
United States result from pneumonia
1t is estimated that during the pasl
thirty days this rate has been doubled
IN some sections. tuberculosis and
heart disease, each causing ore-nlnth
oil 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
increasing and even has surpassed the
mortality from tuberculosis. Seventy
per cent of all cases occur between
| December and May.It is distinctly a
cold weather infection seemingly
brought by wintery blasts, but es-
pecially prevalent during the winter
season Gully because its victims are
rendered more susceptible at that time
and the presence of preddisposing
by exposure, facilitating influences
infection
Pneumonia principally affects those
AZ the extremes OF life,b but no age is
eXempt.lt is invariably germ dis
ease.1hc prcdispos;ng and exciting
organisms arc so numerous that it
would be futile to astempt tick enum-
Grafton. Many of them arc constantly
present in the mouths and t.lroats of
healthy persons end it is Only thr-
ought to aid which we unwittinply
extend to them that they are trans
formed from harmless organisms to
one of mans most powerful enemies.
} TNl.n II
The great prcdisposing cause of pncu-
mona: They prepare the soil for Inva-
SION. Holding first rank in this cate
CORY is influcnza,tEe increased Incl
dence oil pneumonia at this time being
largely due to the present epidemic Of
la grippe. individuals suffering from
TINS injection are peculiarly suScep-
tlble to respiratory complications and
should properly observe every n.y.
gienic rule. inflammation of the upper
air passages, pharyngitis, bronchitis
and tonsillitis, oftenpredispose to the
development OF the disease, particular
ly among the aged and infirm. The ac-
ute contagious diseases of childhood,
more especially meascls and whoop-
ing cough, frequently the way for
pneumonia. Anyone who through
carelessness permits the spread of
these infections is therefore open
to the severest condemnation. En-
hauat:ng dis sc of whatever nature.
is often sufficient to so reduce our
resistance that we are unable to cone
with organism wkich should be early
overcome, and hence predisposes to
the infection.
Debility, either temporary of chro-
nc, developing from any cause, in
creases susceptibility. Because of
this the disease most often attacks
those at the extremes of life. Amonp
facilitating influences must be men
TONED cold, exposure to penetrating
winds, and chilling of body surface as
a 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 whenever possible. Bad
housing, mental or physical haras-
sment, and overworls are alike the
advance agents of the infection. Over
crowdIng, in street cars, theatres, and
other public places, is unauestion-
ably in part responsible for the spread
OF pneumonia in cities, as far greater
opportunity is thus offered for the dis
semination of he predisposinp dis
e. les through Understandable coughing
and other means of droplet infection,
as we'll as the direct injurious effects
which inevitably result from exposure
to such environment. The overhead
ing OF rooms is also seemingly harm
1ui. Promiscuous expectoration NAV
be, and probably is factor in infec-
ton and consequently should be avoid
ed by every citizen. A remaining
most important agent should be men
tloned,-alcoho. 1t 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
injection which carries with it n NOR.
tality OF from ten to thirty per cent
1t should be remembered that oui
scientific data are not yet complete
There are problems connected with i'm.
munity. predisposition, and the occur.
ence of epidemics which are yet tc
be solved. 1t is known that pneumonia
frequently attacks those who are per.
fectly well, and who apparently have
observed every hygienic rule. Whether