Avoiding Complications From RSV In Your Child

Health & Medical Blog

If your child has been recently diagnosed with RSV from his pediatrician, making sure to avoid any health complications is vital. RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a virus that affects the respiratory system. It is highly contagious and often spreads around daycares and sometimes schools. It is most common in children aged two and under but can sometimes affect older children, especially those with an impaired immune system. If your child has RSV, it's important to watch out for severe symptoms that could impact their health greatly. Here are a few things to look out for when it comes to RSV.

Recurring Infections

The first signs of RSV are similar to that of the common cold:

  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Low-grade fever
  • General malaise
  • Body aches

If your child seems to have a severe case of the common cold, you may want to plan a visit to the pediatrician for a diagnosis. If your pediatrician diagnoses your child with RSV, there is a possibility of him or her easily contracting future infections. This is because RSV can suppress the immune system during and several weeks after the virus is present in your system. Making sure that your child recovers completely with rest and proper medication is essential.

Respiratory Problems

Avoiding respiratory problems resulting from RSV is important. If RSV results in bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the lungs, it can cause long term damage that can weaken the respiratory system. It's important to get on the right antibiotic as soon as possible to prevent and eradicate the infection.

Pneumonia

In rare cases, pneumonia can occur as a result from RSV. Early detection and a trip to your child's pediatrician can help ensure that the early stages of pneumonia are handled properly to avoid a serious health complication. If your child was born premature, has a heart problem, or his or her immune system is compromised, he or she is at a higher risk for developing pneumonia with RSV.

Chronic Ear Problems

If the RSV is severe, it could lead to a possible infection within the Eustachian tubes and the inner ear. Your pediatrician will examine your child's ears closely during and after RSV and check for any fluid buildup in the ear that could trigger and infection. While there are no vaccines for RSV, a medication called Palivizumab may help prevent some complications.

Seeking prompt medical care with a qualified pediatrician can help keep RSV symptoms under control and prevent any possible permanent damage resulting from the virus.

Share

7 February 2017

pregnancy, labor and delivery - working with a midwife

Are you pregnant or planning to conceive? If so, it is time to begin learning about the medical professionals that will work with you through the nine months of pregnancy and through the labor and delivery. Many women are unaware of the important role that a midwife plays throughout a pregnancy. Knowing what a midwife does and how having a midwife can help you through what can be a difficult time will help you find one that you will feel comfortable with. My site is filled with information about pregnancy, labor and delivery and working with a midwife to help other soon-to-be mothers make the decisions that are best for their situations.