This disease is an acute inflammation of the general structure of the lungs, which may invade any part of the entire lungs.

Causes

It is probably due to a germ, but as it cannot find lodgment in a healthy person, it may be said to be due to exposure, cold and wet, bad air, over-eating, impoverished blood, especially where it is an incident to malaria, and neglect of skin. Habits which allow waste to accumulate in the system, make pneumonia possible with but very little exposure. It is now conceded to be an infectious disease.

Symptoms

It is usually preceded by a cold with accompanying aches and pains; these are followed by a chill, and a rapid rise of fever.

Diet

Pneumonia is a disease of short duration in acute form, but it needs careful dietetic treatment. Vomiting must be guarded against. Milk, meat juice, the white of egg beaten, and whisky are mainly relied on. Cereals cooked as heretofore described may be malted and given in form of gruels, without sugar. In convalescence an easily digested and nourishing diet will be necessary.