Seeing your child sick is one of the hardest experiences you can go through as a parent. If your child has come down with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), you want to do everything you can to ease their discomfort.
At-home recovery measures and proper follow-up care from a doctor are both essential. For very young children (infants and toddlers), RSV can become dangerous quickly. You should know about the potential complications so you can manage them appropriately.
Seeing a pediatric pulmonologist is the best route to take when your child has RSV. Here are some other things to know about RSV and possible complications.
How RSV Can Cause Bronchiolitis
RSV is an extremely common illness in young children. In fact, the virus causes around 3.6 million hospitalizations across the globe every year. Young children’s immune systems aren’t as developed as an older child’s, so they’re more vulnerable to RSV complications.
What Is Bronchiolitis?
One of the complications associated with RSV infections is bronchiolitis. This is an inflammatory infection of the tiny airways (bronchioles) in your child’s lungs. These small pathways are crucial for transporting oxygen in and out of the respiratory system.
When the bronchioles become infected with a virus like RSV, they become inflamed, and mucus starts to build up. This worsens RSV symptoms like coughing and wheezing, since air can no longer flow freely in and out of the lungs.
RSV vs. Bronchiolitis Symptoms
Common symptoms of RSV include:
- Congestion
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Low appetite
- Pressure headaches
If your child is under age five and exhibits these symptoms, there’s a good chance it could be RSV.
When RSV causes bronchiolitis, it causes noticeable symptoms like:
- Intense wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Asthma-like symptoms
- Coughing up mucus
- Rapid breathing rate
Your child may struggle to breathe normally, and you may notice their ribs “pulling” in and out with each breath. These are called rib retractions.
A pediatric pulmonologist can diagnose RSV and bronchiolitis. They’ll give you more clarity on how to treat your child’s illness and help them feel better.
Does Every Child With RSV Get Bronchiolitis?
No. RSV can pass on its own without causing secondary infections like bronchiolitis. But the most common cause of bronchiolitis in children is RSV, so if your child has it, RSV is likely the culprit.
RSV Recovery: What You Can Do at Home
No medication cures RSV. In many cases, RSV clears up with time and doesn’t require medical treatment. Assuming there are no serious complications, you can help your child recover at home by easing their symptoms and making them comfortable.
Use a Humidifier or Face Steamer
Humidity helps loosen mucus in the nose, throat, and lungs, which makes it easier for your child to expel (cough up or blow out through their nose) the mucus. If they’re struggling with congestion, put a humidifier in their room or sit them in front of a face steamer. The gentle heat and moisture are comforting for a lot of kids.
Give Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
OTC medications like Ibuprofen and Tylenol are good options for pain and fever relief. Consult a pediatric pulmonologist or your child’s pediatrician to make sure these medications are safe and age-appropriate.
Encourage Hydration
If your infant has RSV, the best way to keep them hydrated is through breast milk or formula. For toddlers and older children, you should encourage them to drink plenty of fluids. You can offer juice with water added or children’s electrolyte drinks.
It’s normal for kids with RSV to avoid food and water. If your little one is resistant to drinking anything, try offering popsicles. You can make your own electrolyte popsicles at home using a mold and drinks like Pedialyte.
Let Your Child Rest
Sleep is one of the best healers when it comes to getting over an illness. Encourage your child to lie down when they’re tired. You can offer low-stimulation activities like puzzles and quiet toys to keep them occupied.
The Importance of Follow-Up Care: Why See a Pediatric Pulmonologist?
It’s always a good idea to see a pediatric pulmonologist for support during an RSV or bronchiolitis episode. Even if your child gets better on their own, you should still make an appointment to follow up and check on their respiratory health.
Treat Related Symptoms and Infections
Pediatric respiratory specialists can help you figure out which symptoms are from RSV and which are the result of another infection. Ear infections, sinus infections, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia are all possible secondary infections with RSV.
The doctor will give your child the appropriate medications to resolve the infections and help them feel better.
Prevent and Address RSV Complications
A pediatric pulmonologist can monitor for lingering symptoms or complications following an RSV infection. Follow-up appointments make sure your child’s respiratory health is on the right track.
Keep in mind that childhood bronchiolitis infections are a risk factor for asthma later in life. If your child contracts bronchiolitis, especially before age two, they’re more likely to have asthma symptoms later on.
RSV Emergencies: When to Go to the Emergency Room
In infants and young toddlers, RSV can become dangerous or even fatal. Keep an eye out for emergent symptoms, and dial 911 or visit the nearest emergency room if they appear.
Signs of an RSV or bronchiolitis emergency include:
- Extreme wheezing
- Inability to take full breaths, cry, or cough
- Blue lips, nose, or extremities (fingers and toes)
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe dehydration
- High fever (especially in infants)
These are signs that your baby or toddler is unable to breathe properly and needs emergency care.
See a Pediatric Pulmonologist After RSV: Visit Newport Children’s Medical Group
If your little one has been struggling with RSV symptoms or a secondary infection, they need appropriate follow-up care. Bring up any questions or concerns you have at the appointment.
At Newport Children’s Medical Group, we specialize in pediatric pulmonology and promote children’s respiratory health. We can help your child get back on their feet and improve their lung health for years to come.
Book an appointment for your little one today.