(NAPS)—Respiratory tract infections, or RTIs, affect millions each year, often threatening lost work daysor daily activities and sometimes posing serious health issues. This season, you can be prepared to protect yourself from the spread of RTIs with the help of a new tracking program called the Respiratory Tract Infection Alert or RTIalert. The RTIalert is the first national tracking system available to the public to measure and predict peaks for common ter cold. A smoker with such Bayer Corporation, tracks the Sinusitis Sinusitis is an inflammatory RTIs: The RTlIalert, sponsored by outbreak of RTIs, predicting the likelihood and projected severity of outbreaks for 72 cities nationwide. Consumers can learn about outbreaks of RTIs like bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections and pneumonia in their area by calling toll free 1-866-RTI-INFO (1- 866-784-4636) or logging on to www.RTIalert.com. Symptomsof respiratory tract infections often mimic those of the commoncold or flu, causing confu- sion over whether or not consumers should see a physician for diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis is one of the most effec- tive ways to curb RTIs; by provid- ing you with information, the RTlalert increases your aware- ness of where and when RTI outbreaks are occurring so that you can prepare. Three Common Adult RTIs Whatto Look for: Chronic Bronchitis Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the major breath- ing tubes (called bronchial tubes or bronchi) that connect the windpipe (or trachea) to the lungs. Chronic bronchitis is a condition in which the patient has symptoms including cough, excessive phlegm (or mucus) production, and/or shortness of breath for three months of the year for at least two consecutive years. Chronic bronchitis is often neglected by sufferers who mis- takenly believe exacerbations, or flare-ups, are remnants of a win- flare-ups may dismiss them as “smoker’s cough.” disease of the sinus. One of the most commonly reported diseases in the United States, it affects an estimated 35 million people and accounts for more than 11.5 million visits to the doctor each year. Symptoms of acute bacterial sinusitis may initially appear to be residual of a cold or an allergy attack but become more severe and last for a period of time. They include: excessive production of thick, sticky, yellow green mucus, or mucus that develops a bad odor or taste; severe pressure andpain in the face and forehead; coughing, and nasal congestion lasting more than 10 to 14 days. Community Acquired Pneumonia CAP, the most common form of pneumonia, is an acute infection of the lung tissue occurring in a person who hasnot been hospitalized for at least 14 days before symptoms occur (hence “community acquired”). The symptoms of CAP include coughing with or without phlegm production, chest pain, shortness of breath, chills, shaking and/orfever. The RTIalert For more information about the RTI incidence in your area and to receive a free brochure on treating and preventing RTIs, call the RTIalert toll free at 1-866-RTIINFO (1-866-784-4636) or visit www.RTIlalert.com. The information provided by the RTlIalert should not take the place of a consultation with your doctor.
