Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-02-02
PNEUMONIA
Statement on That Disease from
an Expert in the United States
Public Health Service.

/ Washington, Jan. 31.-The follow
ing article on the subject of Pneu-
monla was made public today by the
United States Public Health Service
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 GER
tam cities pneumonia is steadily in
creasing 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 especial
ly prevalent during the winter season
only because it's victims are rendered
more susceptible at that time by ex-
posture, 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 a germ dis
ease. The predisposing and exciting
organisms are so numerous that il
would be futile to attempt their
| enumeration. Many of them are con-
stantly 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 or
ganisms to one of mans most power
full 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 in
cldence of pneumonia at this time be-
ing largely due to the present cpl
demlc Of la grippe. individuals suf-
fering from this infection are pecu-
liarly susceptible to respiratory COM
plications and should properly OBJ
serve every hygienic rule Infiam-
nation of the upper air passages.
pharyngitis bronchitis and tonsilitis,
OFTEN predlspose to the development
OF the disease, particularly among the
aged and infirm. The acute con-
tag1ous diseases Of childhood, more
especially measles and whooping
cough, frequently prepare the way
Tor pneumonia. Anyone who through
neglect or carelessness permits the
spread Of these infections is there
fore open to the severest condemna-
ton. Exhausting diseases of what
ever nature, is often sufficient to so
reduce our resistance that we are I'M
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 disease most often attacks
those at the extremes Of life. Among
facilitating influences must be men
| toned cold, exposure to penetrating
winds, and the chilling of body sur
races asa result of wetting. The
combination of lack of food and
fatigue proves particularly disastrous
during the winter season and is a
condition to be avoided whenever
possible. Bad housing. mental or
physical Harassment, and overwork
are alike, the advance agents Of the
injection. Overcrowding, in street
cars, theatres, and other public places
IS unquestionably in part responsible
for the spread Of pneumonia in cities.
as far greater opportunity is thus Of
lered Tor the dissemination Of the pre-
disposing diseases Though indis-
crlminate coughing and othef means
OF droplet infection. as we'll as the di-
rectly injurious effects which in
ev1taoly result from exposure to such
environment. The overheating of
rooms Is also seemingly harmful.
Promiscuous expectoration may be,
and probably Is. factor in infection
and consequently should be avoided
by every citizen. A remaining most
important agent should be mentioned
l-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-