The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1916-02-04
PNEUMONIA

Ten per cent of the deaths in the
United States result from pneumonia.
1t 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 men of death, but in
certain cities pneumonia is steadily
increasing and even has surpassed the
mortality from tuberculosis. Seventy
per cent of all cases occur between
December and May. 1t is distinctly a
cold weather infection, seemingly
brought by wintry blasts, but espec-
tally prevalent during the winter sea-
son only because its victims are rem
dered more susceptible at that time by
exposure, facilitating influences and
the presence of predisposing infee-
tions.
Pneumonia principally effects those
at the extremes of life, but no age is
exempt. 1t is invariably a germ di-
sease. 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 Threats 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
vasion. Holding first rank in this cat
egory is influenza, the increased in
cidence of pneumonia at this time be-
ing largely due to the present epidem-
ic of la grippe. Individuals suffering
from this infection are peculiarly sus-
ceptible to respiratory complications
and should properly observe every n.y.
gienic rule. inflammation of the upper
air passages, pharyngitis, bronchitis,
and tonsillitis, often predispose to the
development of the disease, particu-
larly among the aged and infrm. The
acute contagious diseases of child
hood, more especially measles and
whooping cough, frequently prepare
the way for pneumonia. Anyone who
through neglect or carelessness per-
mits 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
to the infection.
Debility, either temporary or chron-
ic, developing from any cause, increas-
es susceptibility. Because of this the
disease most often attacks those at !
the extremes of life. Among debilitat-
ing influences must be mentioned cold,
exposure to penetrating winds, and the
chilling of the body surfaces as a re-
suit of wetting. The combination of |
lack of food and fatigue proves par
disastrous during the winter
season and is a condition to be avoid
ed whenever possible. Bad housing, |
mental or physical harassment, and
overwork are alike the advance agents
of the infection. Overcrowding, in
street cars, theatres, and other pub
lie places, is unquestionably in part
for the spread Of pneu-
monia in cities, as far greater oppor-
tunity is thus offered for the dissem-
mating of the predisposing diseases
through indiscriminate coughing and
other means of droplet infection, as
well as the directly injurious effects
which inevitably result from exposure
TO such environment. The overhead
ing of rooms is also seemingly harm
ful. Promiscuous expectoraticn may
be, and probably is, factor in infec-
lion and consequently should be avoid
d by every citizen. A remaining most
important agent should be mentioned
alcohol. 1t is in truth the hand