Causes and risk factors
As the name suggest the infection is caused by respiratory syncytical virus. Infection spreads by inhalation of the contaminated droplets in air through nose or mouth. Direct skin contact with infected person while shaking hands or contact with contaminated objects e.g.: toys, table tops can also cause spread of infection. The infection can spread to the eyes on touching or rubbing the eyes with contaminated hands.
Clinical presentation:
The symptoms develop a week after exposure to the virus. Like any other viral infections the patient suffering from respiratory syncytical virus complaints of Coryza, dry cough, sore throat, headache, fever and malaise. . A whistling sound is produced during breathing. A sound somewhat like snoring can also be heard on examination of the chest by the doctor. It can also lead to complications like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and by examination carried out by the doctor. Certain investigations like routine blood test, chest X-ray and culture examination of the discharges from nose and cough are carried out for confirming the diagnosis.
Treatment:
Symptomatic treatment along with bronchodilators, nebulisation is the main line of treatment. Antibiotics are sued in severe and in cases where secondary infection flares up in severe cases hospitalization for appropriate care is needed. Intravenous fluids and nebulisation is advised. Pallivizumab is a prophylactic drug which is found to be effective.
Proper sanitation and maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene is necessary to prevent the spread of infection.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
Recent update:
Scientists at VIB and Ghent University have succeeded in developing a promising vaccination strategy to counteract this common virus infection.
