Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1916-02-10
FACTS ABOUT Pneumonia
From the Federal Health Bulletin

nited States result from pneumonia. 1t
is estimated that during the past thirty
days this rate has been doubled in some
sections. tuberculosis and heart dis
ease, each causing one ninth of all ia
talities, 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 cold weather in
fection, seemingly brought 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
fuences and the presence of predispos-
ing infections.
Pneumonia principally affects those
at the extremes of life, but no age is
exempt. 1t is invariably a germ dis
ease. The predisposing and exciting
organisms are so numerous that it
would be futile to attempt their emu
meration. Many of them are constantly
present in the mouths and throats 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 pneumonia.
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 infec
tiOn are peculiarly susceptible to re
spiratOry complications and should
properly observe every hygienic rule.
Inflammation of the upper air passages,
pharyngitis, bronchitis, and tonsilitis,
often predispose to the development Of
the disease, particularly among the
aged and infirm. The acute conta
gious diseases of childhood, more es
pecially measles and whooping cough,
frequently 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. Exhausting
disease Of whatever nature, is often !
sufficient to so reduce our resistance
that we are unable to cope with organ
isms which should be easily overcome
and hence predisposes to the infection.
Debility, either temporary or chronic,
developing from any cause, increases
Because of this the dis
ease most often attacks those at the ex-
tremes of life. Among debilitatipg in
fuences must be mentioned cold, ex-
posure to penetrating winds, and the
chilling of body surfaces as result of
wetting.
The combination of lack Of food and
during the winter season and is a con
dition to be avoided whenever possible.
Bad housing, mental or physical har.
and Overwork are alike the
advance agents of the Infection. Over
in street cars, theatres, and
other public places, is unquestionably
1.f 4 @gl
pneumonia in cities. as far greater Op-
pOrtunity is thus offered for the dis
Semination Of the predispo sing 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 overheating
If rooms is also seemingly harmful.
eXpectoratiOn may be,
and probably is, factor in infection
and consequently should be avo ded by
every citizen. A remaining most i'm
)ortant agent should be mentioned
alcohol. It is in truth the handmaiden
)I DD6uDnOuld, anu GucIc Is uOIl6 more
sure of success, especially if literally
md continuously used.
While the foregoing facts constitute
n part our knowledge of the reasons
or the widespread dissemination of an
Infection which carries with it a NOR
ality of from ten to thirty per cent, it
should be remembered that our scien-
;ific data are not yet complete. There
ire problems connected with immunity.
and the occurrence of ep-
denies which are yet to be solved. 1t
S known that pneumonia frequently
attacks those who are perfectly we'll,
and who apparently have observed
every hygienic rule. Whether this is
lue to the increased virulence of the
organism or to other causes is unex
planned. 1t is, however, recognized that
avoidance of the factors so briefly