Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Disclaimer: Not medical or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an infection that causes inflammation inside the bronchi and bronchioles. RSV mainly occurs in children under 2 years of age, but it can also infect adults.

How is RSV spread?

RSV is spread through the respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The most infectious period begins in the first 3-6 days after the onset of symptoms. Less commonly, the transmission of the virus can occur through shared household items.

Symptoms of RSV

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within 4 to 6 days after getting infected. RSV usually causes cold-like symptoms.

Runny nose.
Loss of appetite.
Cough.
Fever.
Difficulty breathing.

RSV can cause severe infection without fever in babies under 1 year of age. Young children with RSV have different symptoms.

Short, shallow, and rapid breathing.
Trouble breathing - chest muscles and skin pulling inward with each breath.
Cough.
Poor feeding.
Irritability and lethargy.
Diarrhea during the first days of illness.

Complications of RSV

Bronchiolitis

The most common complication of RSV is bronchiolitis. Bronchioles (bronchial tubes) are the terminal ends of the bronchial tree. The virus causes swelling and obstruction of the bronchial tubes, which are less than 2 mm in internal diameter. There are about 30,000 bronchioles in each lung, and they are directly involved in conducting air.

Symptoms of Bronchiolitis

Shortness of breath. One of the main symptoms of bronchiolitis in infants and toddlers. It starts to occur after light activity and may come back after rest.
Increased respiratory rate. Due to shortness of breath, the baby’s nostrils widen while breathing. At the same time, they take rapid, shallow breaths.
Worsening of the cough, wheezing, whistling, or rattling sounds heard in the lungs. Children often have a dry cough that does not provide relief.
Blue skin. It happens in very rare cases due to a lack of oxygen in the blood.
Ear infection. The disease can be accompanied by ear disorders in some children.
Dehydration. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth and skin.

Obstructive Bronchitis

Obstructive bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the bronchi, luminal narrowing, bronchospasm, and airflow obstruction. The most common symptoms of obstructive bronchitis are shortness of breath, frequent bouts of coughing, noisy breathing, whistling sounds during expiration.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs. The disease usually presents with fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. It causes rapid breathing due to spasms and bronchial mucus plugging. The skin around the lips and nose may turn blue.

Who is Most Affected by Respiratory Syncytial Virus?

Babies under age 1 are at higher risk of severe illness with the respiratory syncytial virus since their bronchi and bronchioles are relatively narrow. The development of the inflammatory process quickly leads to airway obstruction. As a result, it affects breathing, one of the most crucial functions of the human body.
Children with chronic respiratory diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia of premature babies. Children with congenital heart defects and children with primary immunodeficiency disorders.
Immunocompromised adults. This group includes older adults with chronic diseases and immunodeficiencies. Their children and grandchildren can bring the virus home from kindergarten or school.

In most people, RSV goes away on its own in one to two weeks. There is no specific treatment for RSV infection, though researchers are working to develop vaccines and antivirals (medications that fight viruses).