Respiratory infections are on the rise during the monsoon season. RSV is a type of respiratory infection caused by the attack of a virus. The infections affect both adults and children. This cold-like infection usually causes infection in your respiratory tract. RSV can be managed at home with home remedies. Proper medical care and treatment are necessary when you suffer from severe symptoms of the infection. Continue reading to learn more about RSV and its treatment plan.
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus, a virus that affects the respiratory tract. This virus mainly causes colds, sneezing, coughing, throat pain, etc. RSV infection is common among kids, but younger and older adults are also prone to it. RSV usually affects people with a weak immune system and people suffering from certain chronic diseases.
RSV symptoms vary based on the severity of the infection. The treatment depends on different symptoms, so the doctor checks the severity before treating. If the RSV infection is mild, you may suffer from the following symptoms:
● Runny Nose
● Cold
● Congestion
● Stuffy nose
● Cough
● Sneeze
● Fatigue
● Loss of Appetite
● Irritability
● Throat Pain
● Fever
The above symptoms mimic common cold symptoms and can be treated easily. Children and adults with mild symptoms recover from the infection in a week. If the RSV infection is severe, you may notice specific serious symptoms, including:
● Fever
● Continuous Cough
● Difficulty in breathing
● Wheezing
● Rapid breathing
● Dehydration
Children with severe RSV infection may suffer from shallow breathing, avoiding feeds, tiredness, and lethargy. So, watch the different symptoms your child is suffering from and treat them accordingly. If your child suffers from any of the above symptoms with repeated wheezing episodes, your child needs immediate medical intervention.
As mentioned earlier, RSV is mostly a mild infection that subsides on its own with flu-like symptoms. The good news is that you can treat RSV infections in kids and adults at home. If you want to know how to treat RSV in toddlers, here is a quick help.
● Use a humidifier at home if your child suffers from chest congestion due to RSV infection.
● Use paediatric nasal drops for your child in case of nasal block. This can help small kids eat and sleep with less trouble.
● You can give your kids over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol, tylenol or ibuprofen if fever persists. Consult your doctor to administer the correct dosage of the above medication based on your child's age.
● Increase your kids' fluid intake when they suffer from RSV infection. Infants should continue breastfeeding or bottle feeding to keep them hydrated during the infection.
Here are ways to treat RSV infection at home for adults
● Steaming can help ease the symptoms of RSV infection
● Increase your fluid intake to avoid dehydration due to RSV infection.
● Drinking warm soups or herbal drinks can soothe your throat and ease congestion.
● Make sure you take ample rest to recover soon.
● You can take over-the-counter painkillers and medicines to lower body temperature; however, consult your doctor.
RSV is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms. A physical examination by your doctor can help identify the type of infection. Your doctor uses a stethoscope to assess the condition of your lungs. The other standard tests to diagnose RSV are:
● A blood test is usually recommended to study the blood count. It also helps to identify the type of infection.
● A swab test to identify the type of virus.
● Your doctor checks your oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter.
RSV infections in kids and adults are treated at home based on the above self-care tips. But if you notice severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, wheezing, and low oxygen levels, you must visit a hospital for immediate medical treatment. Other warning signs of severe RSV infection are:
● High fever
● Dehydration
● Change in colour in skin, finger or mouth.
● Pause in between breaths.
● Your doctor prescribes drugs to reduce fever due to RSV infection.
● If you have a stuffy nose, your doctor will use a suctioning device to remove the congestion.
● If you suffer from bacterial infection, your doctor recommends taking antibiotics.
● Your doctor insists on increasing the fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
If you suffer more severe symptoms, you may be hospitalised for emergency RSV treatment.
● In case you suffer from severe dehydration, you will be administered an IV, which can help increase your body's fluid levels.
● You may be given oxygen support when your blood oxygen levels are low.
● If the infection worsens and you have trouble breathing, your doctor puts you on a ventilator to help you breathe better.
People of any age can be affected by RVS infection. However, RSV is common among babies, toddlers and older adults. The disease can worsen for children or adults suffering from specific health issues. Premature babies, children with low immunity, and children suffering from chronic lung conditions are at the risk of developing severe RSV infection.
Regular medical treatment is a must for children who are at risk of RSV infections. Doctors usually recommend preventive medicines to avoid the severity of the infection. These medications can lower the severity of the infection.
RSV is usually a mild viral infection, but it must be treated based on its symptoms. If the symptoms worsen, it is recommended that the patient consult a doctor for immediate relief when you notice severe symptoms of RSV.
RSV infections may cause mild symptoms like colds, congestion, coughing, etc., which can be treated at home. However, if you suffer from breathing issues, dehydration, and severe pain, you must consult a doctor.
If you notice mild symptoms of RSV, you can very well treat the condition at home with simple home remedies.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics in case you suffer from bacterial complications due to RSV infection.
RSV is a cold-like illness that lasts only for a few days. The infection settles in a week if you suffer from mild symptoms. It takes a longer time to recover when the symptoms are severe.
