London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Fulham 1927

Annual report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1927

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12
The deaths from pneumonia, which numbered 142
in 1926, rose to 167 in 1927. The increase in the
mortality from bronchitis and pneumonia was probably
due to the severe climatic conditions during the year.
The tuberculosis death rate was the lowest ever
recorded for the Borough and the number of deaths,
which was 178 in 1926, fell to 147.
If one is to consider the steps necessary in an
attempt to reduce the mortality it is worth noting,
not only the diseases which cause the highest mortality,
but also the organs of the body which are affected by
these conditions.
There were 536 deaths in 1927 from diseases of the
respiratory organs, equal to 29.2 per cent., of the total
deaths. This number was made up as follows:—
bronchitis, 216 ; pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs),
167; tuberculosis of the lungs, 126; other respiratory
diseases, 27. A large number of the deaths from
bronchitis (60 per cent.), were in persons over 65. In
the case of the deaths from pneumonia less than 30
per cent, were over 65 years of age and 25 per cent,
were in children under 2 years.
There is little doubt that a great deal could be
done to educate the public regarding the prevention
of these conditions. Many diseases of the chest and
of other parts of the body are caused or aggravated by
septic material draining downwards from the nose, throat
and teeth, and the prevention and early treatment of
nasal catarrh, adenoids, enlarged tonsils and dental caries
are obvious measures.
The pollution of the atmosphere by smoke and
other impurities also predispose to respiratory diseases
and could be obviated by the more general use of
smokeless fuel, gas and electricity. Overcrowding of our
towns and houses are other causes and general debility
partly caused by neglect of the rules of hygiene are
also predisposing factors.
Diseases of the organs of circulation caused 284
deaths in 1927, including 195 from heart diseases and