PARENT INFORMATION CENTER

RANKEN JORDAN SPOTLIGHT

Hannah was a child of 17 when she was involved in a head-on collision with a semi-tractor trailer truck about a year ago.  Read Hannah's story.

HOW TO HELP
Find out how you can help further the Ranken Jordan mission. Your tax-deductible donation can help in many ways. Click here.


RSV/Bronchiolitis

By Lisa Schaeg RN, CPNP


 

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus):

 

  • One of the viruses that causes the common cold
  • Causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages
  • Occurs throughout the year, but is more prevalent in the winter months
  • Leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children
  • Premature infants, children with chronic disease of the lung, heart or immune system are at high risk for developing severe infection

Symptoms:

 

  • Older children and adults usually have mild, cold-like symptoms
  • Infants and very young children have more severe symptoms including nasal congestion, cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, irritability, decreased appetite
  • May have low grade fever

Diagnosis:

 

  • Usually by history and clinical exam
  • Nasal swab can be performed to verify 

Prevention:

 

  • Good handwashing!!
  • Spread by close contact such as touching, kissing or contact with contaminated surfaces
  • Lives on surfaces such as toys, pacifiers, countertops and unwashed hands for several hours
  • Keep infants away from anyone who has cold symptoms or fever
  • Children who are at high risk should talk with their doctor about receiving a monthly injection to help prevent the disease

Home Care:

 

  • Frequent use of saline drops and nasal bulb suctioning, especially before feedings
  • Cool mist vaporizer to help thin nasal secretions.  Avoid hot steam vaporizers
  • Plenty of fluids. Should continue breastfeeding or formula.  May need smaller, more frequent feedings and rest periods during feedings
  • Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke
  • Treat fever using a non-aspirin fever reducer like Acetaminophen
  • Your health care provider may prescribe medication to help dilate the airways if wheezing is present 

When to call your health care provider:

  • High fever with ill appearance
  • If your infant is unusually inactive, irritable or refuses to breastfeed or take their bottle
  • Coughing that is productive, constant or interfering with sleep
  • Wheezing
  • If you think your child may be dehydrated

Seek immediate medical attention if your child is having difficulty breathing or is lethargic

 

 

Disclaimer: The health content is provided for informational and educational purposes. It is intended for the general population and may not reflect specific conditions or risk of an individual or segment of the population. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, consultation, treatment or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of information obtained through these services.