The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1916-02-02

at the extremes of life, but no ace Is
exempt. 1t is invariably germ
disease. The predisposiag and exciting
organisms are So numerous that il
would be futile to attempt their emu
meration. Many of them are con
stantly present IN the mouths ana
threats of healthy persons and it is
only through the aid which we I'M
Willingly extend to them that they are
transformed from harmless organisms
to one of man 5 most powerful enc
mics
The presence Of other diseases is the
great predisposing cause of pneumo-
MA. They prepare the soil for invasion.
Holding first rank in this category is
influenza, the increased incidence of
pneumonia at this time being largely
due to the present epidemic of la
grippe. Individuals suffering from this
injection are peculiarly susceptible to
respiratory complications and should
properly observe every hygienic rule.
Inflammation of the upper air passages,
pharyngitis, bronchitis, and ton
sllltls, often predispose to the
development of the disease, par
ticularly among the aged and
infirm. The acute contagious diseases
of childhood, more especially measles
and whooping cough, frequently pre-
pare the way for pneumonia. Anyone
who through neglect or carelessness
permits 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
predisposes to the infection
Debility, either temporary or chron.
lc, developing from any cause, IN
ereases susceptibility. Because of this
| the disease NEST often attacks those
at the extremes of life Among debil-
ltatng 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
| tlcularly 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 public
| places, Is unquestionably in part re-
| sponslbie for the spread of pneumonia
IN cites, as Tar greater opportunity is
/ thus offered for the dissemination of
/ the predlsposing diseases through in
discriminate coughing and other means
/ OF dropIet infection, as well as the di.
IrectlE injurious effects which ineyita.
bly, result from exposure TO such en-.
vlronmeHt. The overheatino of rooms
IS also seemingly harmful. Promiscu0us
eXpectoration may be, and probably
IS, factor in infection and consc
queatly should be avoided by every
citizen. 4 remaining most important
agent should be mentioned. alcohol
1t IS IN truth the handmaiden of pncu
monIa, ana there is none more certain
or more sure of success. especially i
literally and continuously used.
While the foregoing facts constitut,
in part our knowledge of the reason,
for the widespread dissemination O.
an infection which carries with il :
mortality of from ten to thirty pe
cent, it should be remembered that on
scientific data are not vet complete
There are problems connected with i'm
munlty, predisposition, and the occur
rences of epidemics which are vet +
! be solved. 1t is known that pneQmoni,
frequently attacks those VINO are Der
fectiy well, and who apparently havi
observed every hvgiehie qufe. Whethe
! this Is due to the increased viruIeac
| of the organism or to other causes j
unexplained. 1t is. however, recognize
that avoidance of the factors so brief
~ enumerated viii in large part dimin
lsh individual susceptibility and there
' fore the incidence of the disease.
Statistics have shown that American tel