Can RSV lead to pneumonia in toddlers?

RSV can also cause more severe infections such as bronchiolitis, an inflammation of the small airways in the lung, and pneumonia, an infection of the lungs. It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children younger than 1 year of age.

When should I worry about my toddler with RSV?

Wheezing. Belly breathing or using muscles in the ribs or neck to breathe. Flaring nostrils. Head bobbing with breathing.

What are the symptoms of RSV pneumonia?

Initial signs of RSV are similar to mild cold symptoms, including congestion, runny nose, fever, cough and sore throat. Very young infants may be irritable, fatigued and have breathing difficulties. Normally these symptoms will clear up on their own in a few days.

How long does RSV pneumonia last?

RSV can live on hard surfaces for many hours. It takes between two to eight days from the time a person is exposed to the RSV to show symptoms. Symptoms generally last three to seven days. Most children and adults recover fully in one to two weeks.

How do they treat RSV in toddlers?

Treatment may include:

  1. More fluids. It’s very important to make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids.
  2. Oxygen. This is extra oxygen given through a mask, nasal prongs, or an oxygen tent.
  3. Suctioning of mucus.
  4. Bronchodilator medicines.
  5. Tube feeding.
  6. Mechanical ventilation.
  7. Antivirals.

How is RSV pneumonia treated?

RSV Treatments

  1. Remove sticky nasal fluids with a bulb syringe and saline drops.
  2. Use a cool-mist vaporizer to keep the air moist and make breathing easier.
  3. Give your little one fluids in small amounts throughout the day.
  4. Use non-aspirin fever-reducers such as acetaminophen.

What does RSV cough sound like in toddlers?

RSV in Infants & Toddlers Children with RSV typically have two to four days of upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as fever and runny nose/congestion. These are then followed by lower respiratory tract symptoms, like increasing wheezing cough that sounds wet and forceful with increased work breathing.

What does RSV look like in toddlers?

The early phase of RSV in babies and young children is often mild, like a cold. In children younger than age 3, the illness may move into the lungs and cause coughing and wheezing. In some children, the infection turns to a severe respiratory disease.

What does pneumonia sound like in a toddler?

Walking pneumonia is usually diagnosed through a physical examination. The doctor will check your child’s breathing and listen for a hallmark crackling sound that often indicates walking pneumonia. If needed, a chest X-ray or tests of mucus samples from the throat or nose might be done to confirm the diagnosis.