The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1916-02-10

exciting organisms are so numerous
that IL would be futile TO attempt
their enumeration. Many Of them
are constantly present in the mouths
and Threats OF healthy persons and
IL 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
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 the
present epidemic Of la grippe. In
dividuals suffering from this infec-
ton are peculiarly susceptible to
respiratory complications and should
properly observe every hygienic
rule. Inflammation Of the upper air
passages, pharyngitis, bronchitis,
and tonsillitis, often predispose to
the development Of the disease, par
ticularly among the aged and inflrm.
The acute contagious diseases OF
childhood, more especially measles
and whooping cough, frequently pre-
pare the way for pneumonia. Any
one, who through neglect or care
lessness, 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 or
ganisms which should be easily ov-
ercome. and hence predisposes to the
infection.
Debility, either temporary or
chronic, developing from any
cause increases susceptibility. Be
cause Of this the disease most often
attacks those at the extremes OF
life. Among facilitating influences
must be mentioned cold, exposure to
penetrating winds, and the chilling
of body surfaces as a result OF wet
ting. 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 harassment, and
overwork are the advance agents
of the infection. 0vercrowding, in
street cars, theatres, and other pub
lir places. rs unquestionably in part
responsible for the spread Of pneu-
monia in cities, as far greater OPP
portunity is thus offered for the dis
semination of the predisposing dis
eases through indiscriminate cough
ing and other means Of droplet in
lection, as well as the directly injur-
ious effects which inevitably result
from exposure to such environment.
The overheating Of rooms is also
seemingly harmful. Promiscuous
expectoration may be, and probably
is, a factor in infection and cOnse-
quently should be avoided by every
citizen. A remaining most important
agent should be NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..
Il is in truth the handmaiden OF
pneumonia, and there is none more
certain or more sure of success, es-
pecially il literally and continuous
ly used.
While the foregoing facts consti-
tute in part our knowledge OF the
reasons for the widespread dissem-
nation Of an infection which car
ries with il a mortality Of from ten
to thirty per cent, it should be re-
membered that our scientific data
are not yet complete. There are
problems connected with immunity,
predisposition. and the occurrence of
epidemics which are yet to be solv-
ed. II is known that pneumonia fire.
auently attacks those who are per-
fectly we'll, and who apparently
have observed every hygienic rule.
Whether this is due to the increased
virulence Of the organism or to 9TH
er causes is unexplained. II is, how
ever, recognized that avoidance OF
the factors so briefly enumerated
will in large part dimish individual
susceptibility and therefore the in
cidence OF the disease.