Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
By: Macey Moore & Madison Tindell April 5th 2016
Causes of Respiratory Syncytial Virus
- RSV enters through your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Passed through direct contact, sneezing and coughing.
- After touching a contaminated object you are susceptible to get the virus.
- An infected person is most contagious after the first few days but can pass the virus along up to a week after infection.
Individuals at Higher Risk
- Premature infants.
- Children under 8 to 10 weeks of life who were born with heart or lung disease.
- Babies and young children whose immune systems are weakened.
Pathophysiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus
- RSV is a nonsegmented, negative-stranded RNA virus.
- Begins with replication of the virus in the nasopharynx.
- The virus spreads to the small bronchiolar epithelium.
- This leads to small airway obstruction.
Manifeststions
Closing of the Throat
Trachea walls begin to close, making it harder to breath.
Flaring Nostrils
Nostrils open in order to try to breathe in more oxygen.
Cyanosis
Bluish turning of the lips, mouth, and fingertips.
Complications
-Pneumonia or bronchiolitis: Inflammation of the lungs (pneumonia) or the lungs' airways (bronchiolitis).
-Middle ear infection: When microorganisms enter the space behind the eardrum.
-Asthma: May result later in life due to RSV.
Treatment
Acetaminophen
To reduce fever.
Humidified Oxygen
To increase oxygen flow to regulate breathing rate.
Virazole
Antiviral prescribed by a doctor.