West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1916-02-10
Pneumonia

- - HoNSN AhdN uuEluk the past
thirty days this rate has been doubled
In some sections. tuberculosis and
heart disease. each causing one-ninth
OF all fatalities, are the only diseases
which outrank pneumonia among the
legion OF the men OF death, but in GER
tain cities pneumonia is steadily in
creasing and even has surpassed the
mortality from tuberculosis. Seventy
per cent of all cases occur between De-
cember and May. II is distinctly n
cold weather infection. seemingly
brought by wintry blasts. but espec-
tally prevalentd uring the winter sea
son only because its victims are rem
dered more susceptible at that time by
exposure. debilitating influences and
the presence of predisposing infec-
tions.
Pneumonia principally affects those
at the extremes OF life, but no age is
exempt. II is invariably a germ dis
ease. The predisposing and exciting
organisms are so numerous that Il
would be futile to attempt their enum-
GRAFTON. Many of them are constant
ly present In the mouths and throats
OF healthy persons and IL is only
through the aid which we unwittinelv
extend TO them that they are trans
formed from harmless organisms TO
one of mans most powerful enemies.
The presence OF other diseases Is
the great predisposing cause OF pneu-
monia. They prepare the soil for in
vasion. Holding first rank I'm this
category is influenza. the increased
incidence of pneumonia at this time
being largely due to the present epi-
demic OF la grippe. individuals suf-
fering from this infection are pecu-
liarly susceptible to respiratory COM
plications and should properly observe
every hygenic rule Inflammation Of
the upper air passages, pharyngitis
bronchitis and tonsilitis often predis-
pose to the development OF the dis
ease, particularly among the aged and
infirm. The acute contagious dis
eases of childhood, more especially
measles and whooping cough, fre-
quently prepare the way for pneu-
monia. Any one who through neglect
or careless permits the spread of these
infections is therefore open TO the Sc
Verest condemnation. Exhausting dis
ease or whatever nature, is often suf-
ncient to so reduce our resistance that
we areu nable to cope with organisms
which should be easily overcome. and
hence predisposes to the infection.
Debility, either temporary or
chronic, developing from any 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 a result OF wetting. The COM
bination OF lack OF food and fatigue
proves particularly disastrous during
the winter season and is a condition
to be avoided whenever possible. Rad
housing mental or physical harass-
ment, and overwork are alike the adj
vance agents of the infection. Over
crowding, in street cars. theaters. and
other public places. is unquestionably
In part responsible for the spread Of
pneumonia in cities, as far greater
opportunity is thus offered for the dig
semination OF the predlsposing dis
eases through indiscriminate cough
ing and other means OF dropIet infec-
tion, as well as the directly injurioua
effects which inevitably result from
exposure to such environment The
overheating of rooms is also seeming
ly harmful. Promiscuous expectora-
ton may be, and probably is, a fac
tor in infection and consequently Il
should be avoided by every citizen.
a remaining most important agent
should be mentioned alcohol. II is
In truth the hand-maiden OF pneumo-
MIA. and there is none more certain or
more sure OF success, especially n lib
orally and continuously used.
While the foregoing facts constitute
in part our knowledge OF the reasons
for the widespread dissemination OF
an Infection which carries with Il
mortality Of from ten to thirty per
cent, IL should be remembered that
our scientific data is not yet com
plete. There are problems connected
with immunity, predisposition, and
the occurrence Of epidemics which are
yet 20 be solved II is known that
pneumonia frequently attacks those
who are perfectly well, and who have
apparently observed every hygienic
rule. Whether this is due to the in
creased virulence Of the organism or
TO other causes is unexplained. II is
however, recognized that avoidance Of
the factors so briefly enumerated will
tn large part diminish individual sua-
ceDtibility and therefore the incl
dence OF the disease.
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The Campaign for Preparedness