Couldn't find what you looking for?

TRY OUR SEARCH!

Complications Of RSV Can Be Serious

by — Last updated: 2014-12-04 in Children's & Teens Health

Table of Contents

If you have children, it is likely they have been infected with RSV. The virus affects the lungs and respiratory tract and can be more serious in young children.

Most cases of RSV are not serious and usually resolve in a week or two, but certain signs and symptoms indicate complications may be developing, and the condition needs immediate treatment.

Respiratory Distress Can Develop

RSV complications can develop in any child, but they are most common in very young infants or children.

According to the Mayo Clinic, children under the age of six months are at a higher risk for hospitalization due to RSV than older children.

Children with other medical conditions, such as heart defects, are also at an increased risk of developing complications. 

One of the possible complications of RSV is a middle ear infection. Bacteria can travel behind the eardrum and cause an inflammation of the middle ear, which leads to an infection. There also appears to be a link between having RSV as a young child and developing asthma later in life, according to the Mayo Clinic.

When RSV affects the lower airway including the bronchioles and the lungs, a few different complication can develop including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Both conditions can lead to trouble breathing.

Signs a child need immediate medical attention due to RSV include a high fever, dehydration and shortness of breath. In young infants, refusing to take fluids, unusual inactivity, dry lips and a decrease in wet diapers are all signs of dehydration. 

Signs of respiratory distress include wheezing, increased respiratory rate, bluish skin color and nasal flaring.

Some infants and children also develop retractions, which involves forcefully pulling the ribs inward. Retractions occur when a baby is working hard to breath and is using accessory muscles.

RSV Treatment  

Treatment for RSV is aimed at reducing symptoms, keeping the child comfortable and preventing complications. Since the infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not given unless a secondary bacterial ear infection or pneumonia develops.

At home, parents may want to use a cool-mist vaporizer to decrease nasal congestion, which may help their baby breathe easier. Avoid using stream, which can lead to burns. Over the counter medication, such as acetaminophen, can be given to decrease fever and headache.

Encourage your child to drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Children may be more accepting of small amounts of fluids frequently if they are not interested in drinking.

In children who are too young to blow their nose, mucus can be removed from their nose by using a bulb syringe. Older children should be encouraged to blow their nose gently.

If the lower airways are affected, some children may be prescribed breathing treatments to open up the bronchial tubes and lungs. In children who develop more serious symptoms, hospitalization may be required. If children require hospitalization, it may be to monitor their condition closely or to provide treatment, which cannot be given at home.

Children hospitalized for RSV may receive frequent treatments to open up their airway and ease respiratory distress.

See Also: Are Parents Aware of Their Child's Asthma Symptoms?

Intravenous medication or fluids may also be needed in order to treat dehydration. Children who have low oxygen levels will be given supplemental oxygen. In the most severe cases, a child may temporarily need the assistance of a mechanical ventilator to help with breathing.