Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Alternative names:
RSV
Treatment:
Mild infections resolve without treatment. A severe infection in infants and children may require hospitalization to provide supplemental oxygen, humidified air, and hydration by intravenous fluids. Respiratory support may be needed, using a breathing machine (ventilator). Aerosol ribavirin, an antiviral medication, may be administered to infants. Ribavirin is most effective if given within the first 48 hours following onset of symptoms. Ribavirin is not used in older children. A medication to open the airways of the lungs (bronchodilator) is helpful for some people. It is important to remember that in children less than nine months RSV bronchiolitis can be life threatening. These young infant are usually hospitalized and the small and extremely young infant may spend time in the Intensive Care Unit with an endotracheal tube and a ventilator.
Expectations (prognosis):
RSV infection may cause death in infants but this is unlikely if the child is seen early in the course of the illness. In older children and adults, the disease may be mild. There is evidence suggesting an increased incidence of asthma in children who have developed RSV bronchiolitis. It is unknown whether the factors that predispose the child to asthma also predisposed him to developing bronchiolitis as an infant or if the RSV bronchiolitis itself predisposes the child to develop asthma later.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if breathing difficulties or other symptoms of this disorder appear. Any breathing difficulties in an infant should be regarded as an emergency and the appropriate help sought.
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