New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1916-02-23
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PNEUMONIA.


all fatalities, are the only diseases which
outrank pneumonia among the legion of
the men of death, but in certain cities
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 infection,
seemingly brought by wintry blasts, but
prevalent during the winter
season only because it's victims are
rendered more susceptible at that time
by exposure, facilitating influences and
the presence of predisposing infections.
Pneumonia principally affects those at
the extremes Of life, but no age is exempt.
1t is invariably germ disease. The pre-
disposing and exciting organisms are so
numerous that it would be futile to at
tempt their enumeration. Many of
them are constantly present in the
mouths and threats 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 in
f1uenza, the increased incidence of pneu-
monia at this time being largely due to
the present epidemic of la grippe. In
dividuals suffering from this infection are
peculiarly susceptible to respiratory COM
plications and should properly observe
every hygienic rule. Inflammation OF
the upper air passages, pharyngltis,
bronchitis, and tonsilitis, often pre-
dispose to the development of the disease,
particularly among the aged and infirm.
The acute contagious diseases Of child
hood, more especially measles and
whooping cough, frequently prepare the
way for pneumonia. Anyone who thru
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 re-
sistance that we are unable to cope with
organisms which should be easily over
come, and hence predisposes to the in
lection.
Debility, either temporary or chronic,
developing from any cause, increases
susceptibility, Because of this the dN-
ease most often attacks those at the
extremes of life. Among facilitating
influences must be mentioned cold, ex-
posure to penetrating winds, and the
chilling Of body surfaces as a result of
wetting. The combination of lack of
food and fatigue proves particularly
disastrous during the winter season and
is condition to be avoided whenever
possible. Pad housing, mental or physi-
cal harassment, and overwork are alike
the advance agents of the infection.
Overcrowding, in street cars, theatres,
and other public places, is unquestionably
in part responsible for the spread of
pneumonia in cities, as far greater op-
portunity is this offered for the dissent
nation of the predisposing diseases
through indiscriminate coughing and
other means of droplet infection, as we'll
as the directly injurious effects which
inevitably result from exposure to such
environment. The overheating of
rooms is also seemingly harmful. Pro-
miscuous expectoration may be, and
probably is, a factor in infection and
consequently should be avoided by
every citizen. A remaining most i'm
portant agent should be MENTIONED
alcohol. 1t is in truth the handmaiden
of pneumonia, and there is none more
certain or more sure Of success, especially
if literally and continuously used.
While the foregoing facts constitute
in part our knowledge of the reasons for
the widespread dissemination of an in
lection which carries with it a mortality
of from ten to thirty per cent, it should
be remembered that our scientific data
are not yet complete. There are pro-
blems connected with immunity, predis-
position, and the occurrence of epidemics
which are yet to be solved. 1t is known
that pneumonia frequently attacks those
who are perfectlv we'll. and who apparent-
1y have observed every hygienic rule
Whether this is due to the increased
virulence of the organism or to other
causes is unexplained. 1t is, however,
recognized that avoidance of the factors
so briefly enumerated will in large part
diminish Individual susceptibility and
and therefore the incidence of the disease,