Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1916-02-15

United States result from pneum0nfa-
Il Is estimated that during the past thirty
DAYS this rate has been doubled IN some
sections. Tuberculosis and heart dis
case, each causing ono ninth OF al fataii-
ties. are the only diseases which outrank
pueumonia among the legion of the men
of death, but In certain cities poeumonia
10 steadily increasing and even has sur
passed the mortality from tuberculosis.
Seventy per cent. of al cases occur DO
tween December and May. 1t 10 dis
tinctly cold weather infection, seeming
" brought By wintry blasts, but espe-
cially prevalent during the winter season
only because its victims are rendered
more susceptible at that time by expos
ure, debilitating influences and tho pres
ence of predisposing Infections.
Pneumonia principally Affects those q
the extremes Of life, but no ago 10 ex'
empt. Il 10 invariably = germ disease.
The predisposing and exciting organisms
are SO numerous that 1t would be futile
to attempt their enumeration. Many OF
them are constantly present IN the
mouths and throats of healthy persons
and il is only through the aid which We
unwittingiy extend to them that they are
transformed from harmless organisms TO
ono of mans most powerful enemies.
The presence OF other diseases ID the
great predisposing canse of pneumonia.
Thew prepare the soil for invasion. Hold
ing first rank in this category isinhuenza,
the increased incidence OF pneumonia 1t
this time being largely due to the pres
emit epidemic of Ia grippe. Individuals
suffering from this Infection are pecu-
liarly susceptible to respiratory compI'-
cations and should properly observe
every bygienic rule. Inflammation o.
the upper air passages, bronchitis, and
tonsilitis, often predispose to tho devei-
opment of the disease, particularly
among the aged and inf1rm. The acute
contagious diseases of childhood, more
especially measles and whooping cough,
frequently prepare the way for pneumo-
MIA. Anyone who through neglect or
carelessness permits the spread OF these
infections is therefore open to the sever
est condemnation. Exhausting disease
of whatever nature is often sufficient to
90 reduce our resistance that We are nm
able 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 dis
ease most often attacks those at the
extremes of life. Among facilitating
influences must be mentioned cold, ex-
posture to penetrating winds, and the
chilling of body surfaces as result OF
wetting. The combination of lack OF
food and fatigue proves particularly die
astrous during the winter season and is
a condition to be avoided whenever pos.
sible. Bad housing, mental or physical
harassment, and overwork are alike the
advance agents of the infection. Over.
crewding, in street cars, theatres, and
other public places, is unquestionably in
part responsible for the spread OF pneu-
monis in cities, as far greater opportunity
is thus offered for the dissemination OF
the predisposing diseases through indis.
criminate 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. Promiscuous expectoration
may be, and probably is, q factor in in
lection and consequently should be
avoided by every citizen. A remaining
most important agent should be men.
toned alcohol. 1t Is in truth the hand
maiden 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 II mortality
of from ten to thirty per cent, 1t should
be remembered that our scientific data
are not yet complete. There are prob.
lens 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 perfectly we'll, and who appar,
emily 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
80 briefly enumerated will in large part
diminish individual susceptibility and
therefore the incidence of the disease.