HealthCare

What are the possible complications of RSV in children?

RSV in children: Possible pneumonia and respiratory failure

Hi dr. Kristina here. So possible complications of RSV largely, those tend to be related to the lungs so that means that children can get pneumonia or some can even progress to have. Respiratory failure, whereby, they need to be on a ventilator and have a machine breathe for them. Well, their lungs recover, that's really the most common thing. The good news is that by and large most children, who Who wind up getting RSV, do just fine with supportive care. Sometimes they'll need to be hospitalized for a little bit of extra oxygen or breathing support and thankfully, not many need to have intensive care whereby, they need to be on a mechanical ventilator but pneumonia and respiratory failure are the most common possible complications. Thankfully, they're rare.

RSV can lead to complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure, which may require hospitalization and in extreme cases, a ventilator. However, these are rare and most children recover with supportive care.

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Possible complications of RSV in children primarily involve the lungs. Pneumonia is a common complication, and in some cases, children may progress to respiratory failure, requiring ventilator support until their lungs recover. However, it's important to note that most children who contract RSV do well with supportive care. Some may require a short hospital stay for additional oxygen or breathing support, but the need for intensive care and mechanical ventilation is rare.

What are the symptoms of RSV in children?

RSV Symptoms: From Mild Cold to Life-Threatening

RSV can present in a variety of ways from serious to not so serious. For some people, it can be just symptoms of a mild cold with runny stuffy nose. Maybe a little bit of cough and for very young children in neonates, for example, they can actually have apnea where they stop breathing due to this virus younger children. In those with smaller diameter. Airways will also tend to have more respiratory distress and wheezing where you can really hear the audible Sounds when they breathe but by and large the Hallmark is lots and lots and lots of nasal secretions. Some people can have a little bit of fever with it as well.

RSV can present in various ways, from mild symptoms such as a runny nose and cough, to more serious cases such as apnea in neonates. It is also associated with respiratory distress and wheezing, as well as fever in some cases.

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RSV symptoms in children can vary in severity. Some may experience mild cold symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, along with a slight cough. In very young children, including neonates, RSV can cause apnea, where they temporarily stop breathing. Children with narrower airways may experience more respiratory distress and wheezing, which can be heard audibly when they breathe. However, the main characteristic of RSV is the presence of excessive nasal secretions. Some children may also have a slight fever.

What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

RSV: A Common Viral Infection with Respiratory Symptoms

Hi dr. Kristina here RSV or respiratory? Syncytial virus is a germ. It's a type of virus. That's not new. We see it every year and it causes symptoms that are largely respiratory in nature. So that means cough runny, nose congestion in. Some younger children with small Airways, they will get wheezing and respiratory distress and sometimes will get fever. But by and large, it is a virus that causes Has respiratory symptoms because it's a virus. There's no antibiotic medicine or other kind of medicine that gets rid of it or cures it. It's mostly a matter of time but it's not a new virus it's one that pediatricians everywhere are very familiar with

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a virus that causes respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, congestion, wheezing and respiratory distress in younger children. There is no medicine that can get rid of it, but it will pass with time.

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes respiratory symptoms. It is not a new virus and is seen every year. The symptoms primarily affect the respiratory system, including cough, runny nose, congestion, and sometimes fever. In younger children with smaller airways, wheezing and respiratory distress may occur. RSV is a viral infection, so antibiotics or other medications cannot cure it. It typically resolves with time. Pediatricians are well acquainted with this virus as it is commonly encountered in their practice.

Who is most likely to develop severe RSV?

High-Risk Groups for Severe RSV: Newborns, Premature Babies, and Children with Chronic Illnesses

Hi there, dr. Kristina here. Severe RSV is most likely to occur in very young babies. So neonates in the first month of life, that's when we tend to see apnea or children can where they stop breathing. Also young children who have a history of prematurity. So if they were born premature and they're in the first 12 months of Life, they are more likely to have serious RSV. And the final category of children who have severe V are those who have chronic illnesses. So for example, chronic lung disease or who have heart problems, they tend to be most at risk to develop severe RSV hope that helps

Severe RSV is most likely to occur in young babies, children who have a history of prematurity and children who have chronic illnesses.

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Severe RSV is most likely to occur in three main groups: 

1. Very young babies, particularly neonates in the first month of life, who may experience apnea (temporary cessation of breathing). 

2. Young children with a history of prematurity, especially within the first 12 months of life. 

3. Children with chronic illnesses such as chronic lung disease or heart problems. 

These groups are at a higher risk of developing severe RSV.

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 Board certified pediatrician and pediatric emergency physician. Senior Medical Advisor at PM Pediatric Care

Neither AnyQuestion nor its Experts provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment or otherwise provide professional healthcare services.

Christina Johns,MD,MEd,FAAP