About this topic
Respiratory syncytial virus is also called RSV. It can give your child the same signs as the common cold or flu. RSV is easy to catch and you can get it more than once. It causes a lot of lung problems in infants and children. Some of them are: ‚
- An infection of the small airways in the lungs. This is bronchiolitis.
- An infection in the lungs. This is pneumonia.
- An infection in the airways, voicebox, and windpipe that causes a barking cough. This is croup.
RSV infection is easily passed from one person to another. The signs often go away in 1 to 2 weeks. ‚
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What are the causes?
This illness is caused by a germ called respiratory syncytial virus. It infects the breathing passages like the throat and lungs. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have RSV if you: ‚
- Are a young child younger than 2 years of age
- Go to crowded places
- Have a weak immune system
- Have poor hand hygiene
What are the main signs?
- Runny nose or stuffy nose
- Fever
- Cough
- Ear pain
- Breathing problems. Your child may breathe fast, work hard to breathe, or have a wheezing sound with breathing.
- Problems eating because of fast breathing or stuffy nose
- Bluish color of the skin, especially on the fingers and toes
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
- Doctors diagnose bronchiolitis, croup, or pneumonia by taking your childs history and doing an exam. The only way for your doctor to know if your child has RSV is to do a test that is sent to a lab.
- The doctor will ask if there are other kids or playmates close to your child who have the same signs.
- The doctor will look at your child's throat and chest. The doctor will listen to your child's lung using a special tool called a stethoscope.
- The doctor may also feel the sides of your child's neck for lumps.
- The doctor may order:
- Blood test
- Throat swab ¢ ˆ ’ A cotton swab will be brushed along your child's throat to collect a sample.
- Nose swab or washing. A washing is done by dripping salt water into your child's nose and then removing it to collect some of the mucus from the nose.
- Chest x-ray
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Treatment sometimes includes drugs for breathing. Your doctor may use other treatments if your child still has breathing troubles even with drugs. Your child may need care in a hospital if the infection is very bad or if your child needs oxygen. Your child may need an I.V. to replace fluids. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
- Too much fluid loss
- Very bad lung problems that make it hard for your child to breathe
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Make breathing easier
- Lower swelling
- Help a sore throat
- Ease runny and stuffy nose
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Teach your child to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs. Teach your child to sing the Happy Birthday song or the ABCs while washing hands.
- If your child is sick, teach your child to cover the mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. Your child can also cough into the elbow. Throw away tissues in the trash and wash hands after touching used tissues.
- Do not get too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Do not share towels or hankies with anyone who is sick.
- Do not share utensils and glasses.
- Wash toys daily.
- Stay away from crowded places.
- Do not allow anyone to smoke around your baby or child.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics ‚
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Respiratory-Syncytial-Virus-RSV.aspx ‚
Canadian Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/a-z/rsv-vrs/index_e.php ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/rsv.html# ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bronchiolitis/pages/causes.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚