Parenting expert questions & answers

RSV & lung infections by Gregory Plemmons, MD

As parents, we often have questions about all kinds of health issues relating to our kids - from illness to prevention to child development. Come ask the experts what you want to know about your child's health!

The question:
I thought my daughter had a bad cold, but she has been diagnosed with RSV. Can you tell me what this is? - Tanya in Nevada

The Pediatrician Answers:
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is the leading cause of lower lung infections in infants and children. It can be found year-round, but outbreaks occur worldwide during the late fall, winter, and early spring. Every pediatrician dreads the beginning of RSV season, as it can be very contagious.

Although adults and older children usually only have the symptoms of a bad cold, young infants, especially those that are premature or have lung disease or heart problems, may become quite ill with the virus. RSV causes a bronchiolitis (inflammation and swelling of the lung's tiny airways). The symptoms of bronchiolitis in young children can be identical to an "asthma attack" and can be characterized by wheezing, tight breathing, cough, and runny nose. Children may also have fever as well.

Since it is a virus, antibiotics have no effect on RSV. Most doctors recommend vaporizers, encouraging plenty of fluids, and bulb-suctioning any nasal secretions. There is a preventative treatment (palivizumab) available for children at risk for severe disease (very premature babies or babies with lung disease) which must be given as a monthly shot starting early in the fall in order for it to work properly. Research is still being done on a safe vaccine that we may give to all children that will be effective. One problem is that the body's immunity wears off fairly quickly, and it is possible to catch RSV every year -- possibly even twice a year.

The most common complication of RSV, like any cold virus, is usually an ear infection. The MOST important measure a parent can take to prevent infection is frequent hand-washing, since the virus can survive on toys and other items for several hours. Most children continue to shed the virus for several weeks as well after they are well, so it's important to encourage hand-washing throughout the winter season (and year-round).

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About the author: Gregory Plemmons, MD is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of General Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. Service to under-served and culturally diverse populations is one of his special interest areas. Says Dr Plemmons, "I see my goal as to help educate parents and aid them in making informed decisions about their children, but also incorporating the experience I've had thus far as a pediatrician."