remain. On the other hand, bronchiolitis or pneumonia might be indicated by a laborious cough that sounds like barking.
Babies with severe RSV have shallow, quick, and short breathing. A “caving-in” of the chest between and behind the ribs, flaring nostrils with each breath, and abnormally rapid breathing are crucial signs for parents to watch out for.
How Is An RSV Cough Treated?
In most cases, RSV (including RSV cough) resolves spontaneously within a few weeks. The lack of a therapeutic treatment for RSV has led clinicians to concentrate on alleviating symptoms rather than finding a permanent solution.
Young children and newborns may benefit greatly from using nasal saline and gently sucking to empty up the nose. A cold mist humidifier can further aid in clearing the airways and making breathing comfortable. People older than six months may have their fevers lowered with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Many over-the-counter cold remedies include components that are bad for kids’ health, so parents should always get their doctor’s approval before giving their kids any of these.
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Medical professionals may provide oxygen and intravenous fluids to patients with more severe instances of RSV, assisting with breathing and hydration.
RELATED: RSV: What It Is, Diagnosis, Symptoms & Treatment
Questions For Your Doctor
Feeling awkward about approaching your child’s doctor with this topic? You might inquire about the following:
- What would you recommend if I wanted to help my kid feel more at ease?
- If my kid has to go to the emergency room or urgent care, when should I do it?
- Would it be possible to alleviate my child’s symptoms with medication?
- If my child’s symptoms do not improve after a certain amount of time, how long should I wait to bring them back?
What Are The Other Symptoms Of RSV?
Some other symptoms of RSV include:
- coughing up mucus
- reduction in hunger
- cold symptoms
- coughing up mucus
- sneezing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get RSV From My Child?
People of any age may transmit RSV to one another since it is very infectious. Regular hand and surface washing and teaching your kid to cough into their elbow may help avoid transmission.
How Do You Know It’s RSV And Not A Cold?
To confirm if your kid has RSV, your doctor may take a nasal swab. Additional viral infections may be more easily ruled out in this way.
How Can You Prevent RSV Cough?
Regular handwashing and disinfecting surfaces and toys may help your kid prevent RSV and an RSV cough. You should also stay away from busy areas, as that’s a prime breeding ground for infections. Nursing care may also give beneficial antibodies in some cases.
In most cases, RSV manifests similarly to a common cold and goes away independently after a few days. However, it may worsen for certain people, and hundreds of people die every year as a result. Particularly vulnerable are newborns, the elderly, and those with preexisting respiratory illnesses.
If your cough becomes worse and makes it hard for you to breathe, you should see a doctor immediately. You should see a medical professional if your symptoms persist beyond two weeks.