The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 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, debilitating influences
and the presence of predisposing in
feCtions.
Pneumonia principally effects those
at the extremes of life, but no age
is exempt. 1t is invariably a germ
disease The predisposing and eXcit-
ing 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 aid which we unwit-
tingly extend to them that they are
transformed from harmless organ
ism's 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
category is influenza, the increased
incidence of penumonia at this time
being largely due to the present epi-
demic of lagrippe. individuals suffer
ing from this infection aps peculiarly
susceptible to respiratory complica-
tions and should properly observe ev-
cry hygienic rule. Inflammation of
the upper air passages, pharyngitis,
bronchitis, and tonsilitis, often pre-
dispose to the development of the
disease, particularly among the aged
;,,E hn 70 oin
eases of childhood, more especially
measles and whoopng cough, fire.
quently 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. Exhaust
ing disease of whatever nature, is of
ten sufficient to reduce our resist
ance that we are unable to cope with
organisms which should be easily
overcome, and hence predisposes to
the infection.
Debility, either temporary or chron-
ic, developing from any cause, in
creases susceptibility. Because of
this the disease most often attacks
those at the extremes of life. Among
deblitating 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 fat
igue proves particularly disastrous
during the winter season and it is a
condition to be avoided whenever pos
sible Bad housing, mental or physi-
cal harassment, and overwork are
alike the advance agents of the in
fection. 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 Of
fered for the dissemination of the pre-
disposing diseases through indiscrimi-
nate coughing and other means of
droplet infection, as well as the Ill
rectly injurious effects which ineH-
tably result from exposure to such
environment. The overheating of
rooms is also seemingly harmful Pro-
miscuous eXpectoration may he, and
probably is "a factor in infection, and
consequently should be avoided by
every citizen. A remaining most inn
portant agent should be mentioned
alcohol. 1t is in truth the hand
maiden of pneumonia, and there is
none more certain or more sure Of
success, especially if literally and
continuously used.
While the foregoing facts consti-
tute in part our knowledge of the
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