Word parts
What it means
The most common reason infants are admitted to the hospital in winter. The virus inflames the bronchioles, which fill with mucus and swell. It starts like a cold, then over a few days brings cough, wheezing, fast breathing, retractions and trouble feeding; it is usually worst around days 3 to 5. Babies born early, those under a few months old, and those with heart or lung disease are at highest risk. Treatment is supportive.
For the nurse
Suction the nose gently, especially before feeds and sleep, and give oxygen and fluids as ordered. Watch breathing effort, oxygen saturation, feeding and wet diapers. Use contact precautions and careful hand hygiene, since the virus lives on hands and surfaces. Prevention includes an RSV antibody shot for young infants or an RSV vaccine given in late pregnancy.
Related terms
-itis
A word ending that means inflammation.
wheezing
A high-pitched, whistling sound made as air moves through narrowed airways.
respiratory syncytial virus
A common virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs, most often in babies and young children.
retraction
A drawing back or pulling in of tissue; in breathing, the skin sinking in between, below or above the ribs with each breath.