RSV: Top 3 Ways to Care for Your Baby at Home

Joleen Sams • November 15, 2022

RSV: Top 3 Ways to Care for Your Baby at Home

The news is filled with stories about the alarming increase in ER visits and hospitalizations due to a specific virus - Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). For most older children and adults, RSV causes cold-like symptoms. However, for infants and toddlers, RSV can ‘settle’ further down in the lungs, causing bronchiolitis and/or pneumonia.

Read on to discover the top 3 ways you can care for your sick baby at home.

Note - Your pediatrician’s office can offer personalized guidance on what to expect and when to seek professional help for your child. The remainder of this article is intended to give general information and is not medical advice. If you are concerned about your baby’s symptoms, seek professional medical care.

What is bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is inflammation of the smallest airways where gas exchange takes place. Infants and toddlers already have pretty small airways, so it doesn’t take much for those airways to get blocked. RSV and several other viruses can cause this infection.

Symptoms of bronchiolitis in infants and toddlers include:

Fussy, difficult to console
Runny nose
Coughing
Decrease in appetite
Decrease in activity
Poor sleep or sleeping more than usual
Sneezing
Fever
Wheezing

The symptoms typically last about 5-10 days; Days 5-7 are usually the ‘worst’ days for your baby’s symptoms. Healthychildren.org gives a great overview of symptoms that need professional attention.

Top 3 Ways to Care for your Baby with Bronchiolitis

1. Suction

Suction, suction, suction! Keeping your baby’s upper airway (Nose, mouth, throat) clear of mucus is the most helpful thing you can do. A clear airway allows more air to move into the lungs. More air in the airways = more oxygen for gas exchange!!

Suction Devices

The devices used to suction are officially called nasal aspirators. The three most common are:

Bulb suction.
Did you keep the blue bulb thing you got at the hospital? Watch this quick video on how to use the original ‘baby booger getter.’
Electric suction devices.
These use battery power to create suction. Brand options include Braun and Watolt
Parent-powered devices
NoseFrida is the most well-known brand, but there are several different types available
Basically, these are flexible straws that let you suck out your baby’s mucus. The concept is gross, but they are all designed with filters and barriers to keep the snot from getting to the adult.

Of all these options, the parent-powered ones are the most effective. As a nurse and mom, I personally attest that the amount you can suction is the closest thing to the wall suction used in the hospital.

Key points for suctioning at home

Swaddle: everyone loves a good baby burrito. Most of the time we say not to put their arms in so they can get to their face, but that won’t help here. Put those arms down straight on their sides and wrap ‘em up tight! (Obviously, undo your swaddle after you’re done suctioning.)

Saline drops: a couple of saline drops in the nostril will help loosen up the mucus and make it easier to suck out. These are available in the infant care aisle.

Timing: Suction before each feeding. This allows your baby the best chance of getting as much nutrition in before they tire out from trying to eat or drink. When they are not eating, suction as needed to keep their little airways clear.

2. Fluids

Feed Smaller amounts, but offer more times per day

Dehydration is the main reason infants and toddlers are hospitalized when they get sick. Your child is using more energy than normal just to fight the infection and breathe.

If your baby usually eats every 3-4 hours, try offering ½ their usual feeding amount at the 2–3-hour mark. You can always prepare more breastmilk or formula if needed.

For older infants and young children - make sure that liquids are readily available and that you are offering them at least a few times an hour. Offer easy-to-eat foods that your child likes.

Watch for wet diapers

Your baby should continue to make wet diapers even when they are sick. If the diaper has been dry for more than eight hours, you need to call their pediatrician or seek other medical help.

3. Hand Hygiene

We’re all well versed in hand-washing and other infection control measures almost 3 years into the pandemic, but the importance cannot be understated.

Wash your hands often and wash them well!

Hand Washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria to others - just do it!

Wrap-up

Any time your child is sick is scary for parents; bronchiolitis is no exception. However, even the best parental care won’t keep all children out of the pediatrician's office, urgent care, or ER. If you are concerned about your child, call your child’s doctor or seek other medical care immediately. Trust your instincts - you have them for a reason.

For infants and children that are sick, but not sick enough to be hospitalized, here are the top 3 things you can do to support your child through bronchiolitis:

Suction: Use a parental suction device for the best results.
Fluids: Offer smaller amounts more times during the day.
Hand Hygiene: Wash often and use hand sanitizer when soap/water are not available.

Take a deep breath and know that your infant will feel better in a few days. You’ve got this!

References

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/10/21/rsv-spread-explained/

https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/transmission.html

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/RSV-When-Its-More-Than-Just-a-Cold.aspx

Author Bio:

Joleen Sams is a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her areas of expertise include NICU, pediatrics, and mental health. She strives to provide insightful and educational information to her audiences.

Thank you for reading Patient Education Essentials, the Write Shift RN blog.

Disclaimer: This article was written as a guest post for Write Shift RN LLC's blog. The information in it may not be wholly fact-checked or edited, allowing the reader to see the writer's work and skills firsthand. This information is not intended as medical advice. It is for informational and educational purposes only. Always talk to your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers about any questions or concerns you may have regarding medical conditions.

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Steroid Injections vs. PRP

By Kristina Van Winkle • October 7, 2024

A Comparative Overview for Pain Management Steroid injections and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are two commonly used pain management treatments. While both aim to alleviate pain and promote healing, they have different mechanisms of action and long-term effects . What Are Steroid Injections ? Corticosteroids are potent drugs used extensively across various medical fields to manage a broad spectrum of conditions, making them one of the most widely prescribed drug classes in the world. They can be administered via nearly every route, including direct injection into painful or inflamed joints. "Corticosteroids" typically refers to the class of drugs that produce glucocorticoid effects. Glucocorticoids are stress hormones that regulate numerous physiologic processes within the body. They have vasoconstrictive, immunosuppressive, and anti-inflammatory effects and play a role in metabolism. What do steroid injections treat? Corticosteroids function by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation within the body. They inhibit the production of the body's pro-inflammatory chemicals, leading to decreased inflammation and, consequently, pain. They are prescribed for hundreds of medical conditions, including: Allergic and autoimmune disorders Adrenocortical secretion disorders Infections and inflammation Pathologic hypoglycemia Organ and graft rejections Neurological disorders Hypercalcemia Blood disorders Skin disorders Shock What are the side effects of steroid injections? Although steroids are known to some as “wonder drugs,” they impact various bodily systems, including metabolism, water and electrolyte balance, the central nervous system, and blood cells. As a result, they are associated with many adverse side effects, especially when administered in large doses or over extended periods. Adverse effects may occur in up to 90% of individuals who take them for longer than sixty days. These side effects may include: Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis Gastrointestinal disturbances Osteoporosis and fractures Psychiatric disturbances Carpal tunnel syndrome Cardiovascular disease Immunosuppression Cushingoid features Hyperglycemia Skin disorders Glaucoma Myopathy Cataracts Diabetes The risk of adverse side effects is particularly high when taken systemically. However, side effect occurrences vary when administered as local injections for pain management. Data indicates that steroid injections into joints and the spine can produce systemic effects that can last for weeks. When assessing the risk factors associated with steroid injections, healthcare providers must consider all types and doses of steroids the person is taking, including both oral and injectable forms. Additionally, special caution is advised for certain populations, such as those who may undergo surgery soon, postmenopausal women, and individuals with diabetes. What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) ? Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use an individual's own blood to promote cellular regeneration. Through the extraction and reinjection of platelets, growth factors, and other bioactive proteins from the person's blood, PRP therapy offers long-lasting improvements, sustained pain relief, and enhanced tissue function. What do PRP injections treat? PRP injections can stimulate healthy cell growth, reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, form new blood vessels, rejuvenate the skin and hair, and accelerate recovery after a traumatic injury. It can treat a wide range of conditions, including: Pain resulting from traumatic injury or degenerative conditions such as arthritis and chronic back pain Musculoskeletal conditions Tendinopathies and tears Compressive neuropathy Scars and stretch marks Osteochondral lesions Rheumatoid arthritis Erectile dysfunction Muscular injuries Plantar fasciitis Vaginal atrophy Osteoarthritis Epicondylitis Infertility Psoriasis Wounds Bursitis Vitiligo What are the side effects of PRP? Since PRP is derived from the person's own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or rejection is significantly lower compared to other injectables, such as steroids. PRP typically does not cause major side effects, though you may experience some soreness or bruising at the injection site. In rare cases, potential side effects may include: Tissue damage Nerve injuries Bleeding Infection Comparison of Steroid Injections and PRP Injections A study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research compared steroid injections with PRP injections in patients with mild to moderate symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). The findings indicated that both treatments were safe and effective in improving short-term pain and functioning, with no significant differences observed. However, PRP therapy demonstrated superior outcomes in the long term, with benefits extending up to one year. Additionally, a literature review in Cureus Journal of Medical Science analyzed multiple studies comparing steroid injections with PRP in lumbar spondylosis and sacroiliac arthropathy. The review found that PRP was equally as effective, if not superior, to steroid injections in the short term. Neither treatment was associated with major complications, and there were no significant differences in minor complications between the two. The review concluded that both PRP and steroid injections are safe and effective for treating lumbar spondylosis and sacroiliac arthropathy, with some evidence that PRP may offer more benefits in the long term. Research has confirmed that both steroid and PRP therapy are valuable options for pain management and tissue healing. Steroid injections offer potent anti-inflammatory benefits that can provide immediate relief. However, their systemic side effects and limited duration of efficacy should be carefully considered, especially in high-risk populations. While PRP may take longer to show results, its long-term benefits make it an increasingly popular choice for treating various conditions. Ultimately, the choice between these treatments should be based on the specific needs of the individual patient, with careful attention to the patient's medical history. Thank you for reading the Write Shift RN blog. If you need an experienced RN writer for your health or healthcare educational content, contact me !