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

Respiratory Syncytial Virus