The Devils Lake world and inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1915-1920, 1916-02-10
PNEUMONIA
KILLS MANY

Ten per cent of the deaths in the
United States result from pneumonia.
It is estimated that during the past 30
thirty days this rate has been doubled
in some sections. tuberculosis and
heart disease, each causing one-ninth
of all the fatalities, are the only di
seases which outrank pneumonia
among the legion of the men of death,
but in certain cities pneumonia is
steadily increasing and even has sur
passed the mortality from tuberculos-
is. Seventy per cent of all cases oc-
cur between December and May. 1t
is a distinctly cold weather infection
Seemingly brought on by wintry
blasts, but especially prevalent during
the winter season only because it's vic
tins are rendered more susceptible at
that time by exposure, debilitating in
fluences and the presence of predrs-
posing infections.
Pneumonia principally affects those
at the extremes of life, but no age is
exempt. It is invariably germ di-
sease. The predisposing and excit-
ing organisms are SO numerous that
it would be futile to attempt their en-
umeration. Many of them are con-
:sistantly present in the mouths and
throats of healthy persons and it is
only thru the aid which we unwitting-
" extend to them that they are trans
formed into harmless organisms to one
of mans most powerful enemies.
The presence Of other diseases is the
great predisposing cause of pneumon-
ia. They prepare the soil for invas-
ion. Holding first rank in this cata-
CORY is influenza, the increased Incl
dence of pneumonia at this time being
largely due to the present epidemic OF
la grippe. Individuals suffering from
this infection are peculiarly suscepti-
BILE to respiratory complications and
should properly observe every hygenic
rule. inflammation of the upper air
passages, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and md
tonsillitis, often predispose to the de-
velopment Of the disease particularly
among the aged and infirm. The acute
contagious diseases of childhood, more
especially measles and the whooping
cough, frequently prepare the way for
pneumonia. Anyone who thru neg
lect or carelessness permits the spread
of these infections is therefore open
to the severest condemnation. Ex-
hausting disease of whatever nature,
is often sufficient to so reduce our re-
sistance 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, increas-
es susceptibility. Because Of this the
disease most often attacks those at
the extremes Of life. Among debili-
tating influences must be mentioned
cold, exposure to penetrating winds,
and the chilling Of body surfaces as a
result of wetting. The combination OF
lack of food and fatigue proves par
ticularly disastrous during the winter
season and is condition to be avoid
ed whenever possible. Bad housing
mental and physical harrassment, and
overwork are alike the advance agents
of the infection. Overcrowding, ir
street cars, theatres, and other public
places, is unquestionably in part re-
sponsible for the spread Of pneumonia
in cities, as far greater opportunit,
is thus offered for the dissemination o.
the predisposing diseases through in
discriminate coughing and othe1
means of droplet infection, as we'll Al
the directly injurious effects which in
evitably result from exposure Of sucl
environment. The overheating o
rooms is also seemingly harmful
Promiscuous expectoraticn may be
and probably is, a factor in infection
and consequently should be avoided b,
every citizen. A remaining most i'm
portant agent should be mentioned
alcohol. It is in truth the handmaidel
of pneumonia, and there is none NOR
certain or more sure Of success, espec
tally if literally and continuously uset
While the foregoing facts constitut
in part our knowledge of the reason
for the widespread dissemination Of a
infection which carries with it a MOI
tality Of from ten to thirty per CEN
it should be remembered that ou
scientific data are not yet complete
There are problems connected wit
immunity, predisposition, and the OF
currence of epidemics which are ye
to be solved. It is known that pner
monia frequently attacks those VIII
are perfectly well, and who have az
parently observed every hygenic rul
Whether this rule is due to increase
virulence Of the organism or to othe