The common cold-like virus known as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may cause a cough in certain people. Though it usually goes away within a few weeks, it’s something to watch for in kids, older people, and those with breathing issues. Medication, humidifiers, and other treatments are available.
Annually, RSV causes 58,000 to 80,000 hospitalizations in children under the age of five and 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations in people 65 and up in the US, according to the CDC.
Although RSV is widespread and sometimes mimics the common cold, physicians warn that it may be especially dangerous for small children and the elderly. A cough, the intensity of which might vary, is a common symptom of RSV. It may be possible to let this cough go away on its own if you or a loved one suffer from it, but medical attention may be necessary if it becomes a breathing problem.
RELATED: Types of Coughs and What They Mean
Mucus may make an RSV cough sound watery. People who have severe illnesses typically have a cough that sounds like wheezing or difficulty breathing.
The ability of medical professionals to diagnose RSV from a patient’s cough was the focus of one study conducted in 2020. According to their findings, medical professionals needed 3.5 years of expertise before reliably identifying RSV from a cough alone. Also, a nasal swab sample remained the most reliable way to diagnose RSV, even though nurses and senior staff could do so with 76.2 percent and 73.1 percent confidence levels, respectively.
For immediate medical assistance, dial 911 or visit an emergency room if you or your child are experiencing difficulty breathing, dehydration, or worsening symptoms.
Talk to your child’s doctor if you notice anything else:
Symptoms of RSV normally peak between days three and five, lasting for around five to seven days overall. However, a moderate cough may persist for a few weeks after this.
RELATED: Why Your Cough Isn’t Going Away (And How To Stop It)
Coughs caused by RSV might vary in severity. When other symptoms go away, it’s normal for a moderate cough to remain. On the other hand, bronchiolitis or pneumonia might be indicated by a laborious cough that sounds like barking.
Babies with severe RSV have shallow, quick, and short breathing. A “caving-in” of the chest between and behind the ribs, flaring nostrils with each breath, and abnormally rapid breathing are crucial signs for parents to watch out for.
In most cases, RSV (including RSV cough) resolves spontaneously within a few weeks. The lack of a therapeutic treatment for RSV has led clinicians to concentrate on alleviating symptoms rather than finding a permanent solution.
Young children and newborns may benefit greatly from using nasal saline and gently sucking to empty up the nose. A cold mist humidifier can further aid in clearing the airways and making breathing comfortable. People older than six months may have their fevers lowered with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Many over-the-counter cold remedies include components that are bad for kids’ health, so parents should always get their doctor’s approval before giving their kids any of these.
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Medical professionals may provide oxygen and intravenous fluids to patients with more severe instances of RSV, assisting with breathing and hydration.
RELATED: RSV: What It Is, Diagnosis, Symptoms & Treatment
Feeling awkward about approaching your child’s doctor with this topic? You might inquire about the following:
Some other symptoms of RSV include:
People of any age may transmit RSV to one another since it is very infectious. Regular hand and surface washing and teaching your kid to cough into their elbow may help avoid transmission.
To confirm if your kid has RSV, your doctor may take a nasal swab. Additional viral infections may be more easily ruled out in this way.
Regular handwashing and disinfecting surfaces and toys may help your kid prevent RSV and an RSV cough. You should also stay away from busy areas, as that’s a prime breeding ground for infections. Nursing care may also give beneficial antibodies in some cases.
In most cases, RSV manifests similarly to a common cold and goes away independently after a few days. However, it may worsen for certain people, and hundreds of people die every year as a result. Particularly vulnerable are newborns, the elderly, and those with preexisting respiratory illnesses.
If your cough becomes worse and makes it hard for you to breathe, you should see a doctor immediately. You should see a medical professional if your symptoms persist beyond two weeks.
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