To Prevent Pneumonia

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 28, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 41.

To Prevent Pneumonia.

AS PNEUMONIA is essentially a congestive disease, the best preventive measures are those which avoid the causes of congestion. Pulmonary congestion is favored by too heavy clothing worn in winter weather. A serious error is the supposition that a double set of flannels worn next the skin affords double protection. The fact is that in such a case the inner flannel absorbs all secretion and perspiration, which are there retained by the outer flannel. An almost poultice-like action is thus brought about, softening the skin and rendering it highly susceptible to the slightest exposure.

Over-heated, ill-ventilated rooms, and the sudden transition from these to the sharp outer air, are other avoidable predisposing causes of the disease. He who uses a cold sponge bath with brisk rubbing every morning, who wears the lightest clothing consistent with comfortable protection, and keeps his living rooms well ventilated and at a mean temperature of 68 degrees, is employing the best preventive treatment of pneumonia known to sanitary science.—“Physician,” in Congregationalist.