Fulton County tribune. (Wauseon, Ohio) 1883-1925, 1916-02-25
PNEUMONIA.

United States result from pneumonia. |
1t is estimated that during the past |
thirty days this rate has been doubled
in some sections. tuberculosis and
heart disease, each causing one-ninthl
of all fatalities, are the only diseases
which outrank pneumonia among the
legion of the men of death, but in cer-
tain cities pneumonia is steadily in
creasing and even has surpassed the
mortality from tuberculosis. Seven
ty4 per cent. of all cases occur between
December and May. It is distinctly
cold weather infection, seemingly
brought by wintry blasts, but es-
pecially prevalent during the winter
season only because its victims are
rendered more susceptible at that
time by exposure, debilitating infiu-
ences and the presence of predispos-
ing infections.
Pneumonia principally affects those
at the extremes Of life, but no age is
exempt. It is invariably a germ dis
ease. The predisposing and exciting
organisms are SO numerous that it
would be futile to attempt their enum-
Grafton. Many of them are con-
stantly present in the mouths and
throats Of healthy persons and it is
only through the aid which we unwit-
tingly extend to them that they are
transformed from harmless organisms
to one of mans most powerful en-
emies.
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 sucering from this infection
are peculiarly susceptible to respir-
atory complications and should pro-
perly observe every hygenic rule. In
| fiammation of the upper air passages,
pharyngitis, bronchitis, and tonsil-
litis, often predispose to the develop
ment 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
through neglect or carelessness per-
mits 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 OF
chronic, developing fro many cause
increases susceptibility. Because OF
this the disease most often attacks
those at the extremes of life. Among
debilitating Influences must be men
toned cold, exposure to penetrating
winds, and the chilling Of BODY sur
faces as q result Of wetting. The
combination of lack of food and fa.
tigue proves particularly disastrous
during the winter season and is a
condition to be avoided whenever pos.
sible. Bad housing, mental or physi.
cal harassment, and overwork are
alike the advance agents Of the in.
| fection. Overcrowding, in street cars
theatres, and other public places, il
unquest1onably in part responsible fol
4 the spread of pneumonia in cities, al
| far greater opportunity is thus of.
/ fered for the dissemination of the
predisposing diseases through indis.
eliminating coughing and other mean,
of droplet infection, as well as ths
directly injurious effects which in
evitably result from exposure to sucl
environment. The overheating oI
rooms is also seemingly harmful
Promiseuous expectorat5on NAV be
and probably is. a factor in infection
and consequently should be avoides
by every citizen. A remaining mos
important agent should be mentioned
alcohol. It is in truth the hand
maiden of pneumonia, and there il
none more certain or more. sure q
success, especially If literally ami
continuously used.
! While the foregoing facts consti
tute in part our knowledge Of tn
reasons for the widespread dissemin
alton of an infection which carrie
with it a mortality Of from ten t
1 thirty per cent, it should be remem
: bered that our scientific data are no
yet complete. There are problem
connected with immunity, predisposi
ton, and the occurrence Of epidemi
which are yet to be solved. It
known that pneumonia frequently at
taeks those who are perfectly wei
and who apparently have observe
every lygienic rule. Whether thi
is due to the increased yirulence q
| the organism or to other causes
unexplained. It is, however, reeogr
lied that avoidance of the factors s
briefly enumerated will in large PAL
diminish individual susceptibility an
therefore the incidence Of the dis
ease.