Course of disease in RSV | The RS- Virus

Course of disease in RSV

The onset of the disease in infants and toddlers is initially characterized by loss of appetite and rhinitis. Another early sign is the inflammation of the throat area, which can manifest itself as sore throat. After 1-3 days the inflammation spreads along the respiratory tract.

Now an infection first of the upper and later of the lower respiratory tract is added. At this point, the symptoms of shortness of breath become apparent and fever begins. If there is further progression of the disease, pneumonia can occur.

In older children the course of the disease can only go as far as inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and cannot spread any further. As a late complication, some children may develop an acute inflammation of the middle ear, which is also caused by the virus. In this complication, there is a risk that the middle ear may also become infected with a bacterium.

This double infection is called superinfection and is often difficult to treat. After a severe course, the respiratory tract can become persistently hypersensitive. This is manifested by the fact that the respiratory tract contracts reflexively even at low stimuli and breathing becomes difficult. The incubation period is between two and eight days. It describes the period between infection with the RS virus and the onset of symptoms.

Therapy of RSV

There is no targeted therapy against the virus, so the therapy mainly includes measures to alleviate the symptoms. For infants and toddlers the therapy is carried out in hospital. As a general measure, they are given oxygen and a drug that dilates the airways.

If independent breathing is no longer sufficient to absorb sufficient oxygen, a mask must be used to support breathing. In extreme cases mechanical ventilation must be used. Care must also be taken to ensure that sufficient fluid is given, as this helps to liquefy the secretion in the nasopharynx.

This is the only way to ensure that it runs off well and does not continue to block the airways. Ribavirin, an anti-viral drug, is now only recommended in special exceptions. Studies have not shown that patients with ribavirin therapy had a better course of disease and fewer complications.

Therefore, it is no longer part of the standard therapy. Inhalation of corticosteroids is also no longer recommended. However, administration of corticosteroids via a venous access can improve acute symptoms.However, this must be weighed against the possible side effects.