Find a supplier in your area
More Videos On This Subjectdiagnosis
What is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) or Bronchiolitis?
Introduction to RSV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. In the United Kingdom, RSV is a leading cause of respiratory illness in young children.
Understanding Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the small airways in the lung (bronchioles) caused by an infection, most commonly RSV. This condition is prevalent in children under two years of age and can lead to breathing difficulties, wheezing, and diminished oxygen intake. Bronchiolitis is particularly concerning for infants younger than six months, premature babies, and children with underlying health conditions.
Symptoms of RSV and Bronchiolitis
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing and sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
In serious cases, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, requiring hospital treatment.
Transmission and Prevention
RSV spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also survive on surfaces, making it easily transmissible through touch. Good hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, are crucial to preventing its spread.
Treatment and Care
There is no specific treatment for RSV or bronchiolitis; most cases are managed with supportive care. This includes ensuring adequate fluid intake, using a humidifier, and administering fever reducers like paracetamol. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary for oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, or mechanical ventilation.
When to Seek Medical Help
Parents should seek medical advice if their child shows signs of severe bronchiolitis, such as difficulty breathing, bluish colour around the lips or fingernails, persistent high fever, or dehydration. Early intervention can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications.
Conclusion
While RSV and bronchiolitis are common respiratory conditions in the UK, understanding their symptoms, transmission, and treatment options can help manage and prevent severe cases. Always consult healthcare professionals like the UHL NHS Trust for personalised medical advice and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RSV?
RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, a common virus that can lead to respiratory tract infections, particularly in young children.
How does RSV spread?
RSV spreads through close contact with infected respiratory secretions, such as droplets from coughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
Symptoms of RSV can include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing, and a decrease in appetite.
Who is at risk for severe RSV infection?
Infants, young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic heart and lung conditions are at higher risk.
How can I prevent my child from getting RSV?
Preventative measures include practicing good hygiene, washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and keeping surfaces clean.
What should I do if my child shows symptoms of RSV?
If your child shows symptoms of RSV, monitor their condition, ensure they stay hydrated, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or if you're concerned.
How is RSV diagnosed?
RSV is typically diagnosed through a medical history review, physical examination, and sometimes lab tests such as a nasal swab.
Can adults get RSV?
Yes, adults can get RSV, but it usually results in milder symptoms compared to young children. However, older adults and those with chronic health conditions can experience severe illness.
Is there a vaccine for RSV?
As of now, there is no widely available vaccine for RSV, but research and development efforts are ongoing.
Can RSV cause complications?
Yes, RSV can lead to complications such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and in severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
What is bronchiolitis?
Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, often caused by RSV. It results in difficulty breathing and is most common in infants.
How can bronchiolitis be treated?
Treatment for bronchiolitis primarily focuses on relieving symptoms and may include hydration, saline nasal drops, and in severe cases, hospitalization for oxygen or respiratory support.
How long does RSV last?
RSV infection typically lasts about 1-2 weeks, but symptoms like coughing and wheezing can persist longer in some individuals.
Can RSV be serious?
Yes, while RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, it can be serious in young infants, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
When should I seek medical attention for RSV?
Seek medical attention if your child has difficulty breathing, is not drinking enough fluids, or has symptoms that worsen or do not improve after a few days.
Useful Links
Useful links from: What is bronchiolitis in children? The symptoms, warning signs and when to seek medical help
- NHS - Bronchiolitis Official NHS page providing comprehensive information on bronchiolitis in children, including symptoms, causes, and when to seek medical help.
- Asthma + Lung UK - Bronchiolitis Asthma + Lung UK's detailed guide on bronchiolitis in children, covering symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.
- Great Ormond Street Hospital - Bronchiolitis Great Ormond Street Hospital's resource on bronchiolitis, focusing on its symptoms, complications, and how it is diagnosed and managed.
- Raising Children Network - Bronchiolitis Although primarily an Australian resource, Raising Children Network provides useful and generalizable information on bronchiolitis symptoms, treatment, and management advice that can be applicable to UK readers.
Useful links from: Bronchiolitis Advice
- NHS - Bronchiolitis NHS provides comprehensive information on Bronchiolitis, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment for parents and caregivers.
- British Lung Foundation - Bronchiolitis British Lung Foundation offers support and detailed advice for dealing with Bronchiolitis, focusing on understanding the condition, its impact, and available treatments.
- Patient.Info - Bronchiolitis Patient.Info provides an easy-to-understand guide on Bronchiolitis, focusing on symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and recommended treatments for children.
- Great Ormond Street Hospital - Bronchiolitis Great Ormond Street Hospital offers valuable information on Bronchiolitis, detailing symptoms, how it's monitored, and the care provided in a hospital setting.
Have you found an error, or do you have a link or some information you would like to share? Please let us know using the form below.
- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.