Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

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Bronchiolitis

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome on the leg

RSV

• nasal congestion
• nasal flaring
• cough
• rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• breathing difficulty or labored breathing
• shortness of breath
• cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin caused by lack of oxygen)
• wheezing
• fever
• croupy cough (often described as a "seal bark" cough)

Note: Symptoms are variable and differ with age. Infants less than one year old are most severely affected and often have the most trouble breathing. Older children usually have only mild, cold-like symptoms. Symptoms usually appear 4-6 days after exposure.

Rapid tests for this virus can be performed at many hospitals on fluid obtained from the nose. Listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation ) may reveal wheezes or other abnormal lung sounds.

Tests used in the diagnosis of RSV include:

• a chest X-ray (may show pneumonia or bronchiolitis)
• arterial blood gas analysis (demonstrates decreased oxygen saturation)

Review Date: 08/23/2005
Reviewed By: John Goldenring, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.