RSV & Bronchiolitis
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common winter virus. It is one of the main causes of a "common cold" in older children and adults with symptoms including runny nose, cough and fever. The virus causes inflammation in nose, throat and airways. The inflammation leads to congestion and secretions (snot 🤧) in these areas.
When the small airways, known as bronchioles, are affected by this type of viral inflammation, it is called BRONCHIOLITIS.
RSV usually causes mild illness in older children and adults but can cause more serious illness in infants and babies. Younger children have smaller airways, so when their nose and small airways (bronchioles) are affected by swelling and secretions, there is less room for air to move freely down to the lungs.
The most important things about caring for a young child with Bronchiolitis is monitoring their:
✅Breathing
✅Feeding and
✅General wellness and behaviour
Breathing can be effected by the inflammation, causing children to have increased breathing effort. This can be seen as a fast breathing rate and use of abdominal, chest and neck muscles.
Due to the effort of breathing and a congested or blocked nose, young children (especially still breast or bottle fed) will not be able to finish a full feed before getting tired or unsettled.
Finally, a child's general wellness and behaviour including fevers, alertness, discomfort and colour should be closely monitored.
What can you do at home?
✅Offer shorter, more frequent feeds
✅Clear your bub's nose (both sides) with saline drops/spray 10 min before a feed
✅Offer regular paracetamol and/or ibuprofen
✅If you are worried, have them checked
When should I go to the Emergency Department?
🏥Getting tired or unsettled because of breathing effort
🏥Poor feeding with no wet nappies, or dry lips and mouth
🏥Pale or blue colour change
If unsure and wanting your precious one seen by a specialist Paediatrician, we will see you in a Snap! 🫰
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