The Meeker herald., 1916-02-12
Pneumonia.


bulletin on pneumonia:
Ten per cent of the deaths In the
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-ninth
OF all fatalities, 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. Sew.
enty per cent of all cases occur be-
tween December and May. 1t Is dis
tinctly cold weather infection,
seemingly brought by wintry blasts,
but especially prevalent during the
winter season only because its vic
tins are rendered more susceptible at
that time by exposure, facilitating
influences and the presence Of pre-
disposing infections.
Pneumonia principally affects those
at the extremes of life, but no age Is
exempt. 1t Is Invariably 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 con-
stantIy present In the mouths and
throats of healthy persons and it is
only through the aid which we I'M
Willingly extend to them that they
are transformed from harmless organ
isms 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 in this
category is influenza, the increased
incidence of pneumonia at this time
being largely due to the present cpl
demic of la grippe. individuals snf-
fering from this infection are pecul-
iarly susceptible to respiratory COM
plications and should properly OBJ
serve every hygienic rule. Infiama-
ton of the upper air passages, phar-
yngitis, bronchitis and tonsillitis, of
ten predispose to the development of
the disease, particularly among the
aged and inflrm. 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. Exhaust
ing disease of whatever nature, is
often sufficient to so reduce our re-
sistance that we are unable to cope
with organisms which should be cas-
lily overcome, and hence predisposes
to the infection.
Debility, either temporary or chron-
ic, developing from any cause, in
creases susceptibility. Because Of
this the disease most often attacks
those at the extremes of life. Among
facilitating influences must be NEIL
toned cold, exposure to penetrating
winds, and the chilling of body sur
faces as result of wetting.
The combination of lack of food
and fatigue proves particularly dis
astrous during the winter season and
is condition to be avoided when
ever possible. Bad housing, mental
or physical harassnent, and over
work are alike the advance agents of
the Infection. Overcrowding in street
cars, theaters, and other public place S
is unquestionably in part responsible
for the spread of pneumonia in cities,
rs far greater opportunity is thus Of
fered for the dissemination of the
predisposing diseases through indis-
criminate coughing and other means
of droplet infection, as well as the
directly Injurious effects which inev-
itably result from exposure to such
environment. The overheating of
rooms is also seemingly harmful
Promiscuous expectoration may be,
and probably is, a factor in infection
and consequently should be avoided
by every citizen. A remaining most
important agent should be mentioned
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 consti-
tute in part our knowledge of the rea-
SONS for the widespread dissemina-
ton of an infection which carries
with it a mortality of from ten to
thirty per cent, 1t should be remem-
bered that our scientific data are not
yet complete. There are problems
connected with immunity, predispo-
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