Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
This is a virus which causes lung and respiratory infections. This infection is more common in children by the age of 2 but it can also affect adult.
Symptoms
Symptoms appear within 4 to 6 days after exposure to virus. It presents as:
- Runny and congested nose
- Dry cough
- Fever which is low-grade
- Mild headache
- Wheezing i-e high pitched sounds exhalation
- Problematic breathing
- Cyanosis
- Irritability
- Lethargy
Causes
This condition occur due to viral infection by a respiratory syncytial virusvirus. This virus spread through air or infected respiratory droplets in the environment. This infection is highly contagious in first few day of active infection.
Complications
- Prolong hospitalization
- Inflammation of lungs known as pneumonia
- Otitis media
- Asthma
- Recurrent infections
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of the patient. Other tests include:
- Blood tests
- Chest X-rays
- pulse oximetry
- Swab of secretions
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Supportive care like over-the-counter medications to reduce fever.
- Drinking of plenty of fluid to reduce signs of dehydration
- Hospitalization involve intravenous (IV) fluids, humidified oxygen, mechanical ventilation