Natural Support for RSV and Bronchiolitis
what is rsv?
RSV is an abbreviation for Respiratory Syncytial Virus. RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes respiratory tract infections, including the common cold. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis. Affecting young children (and premature babies), bronchiolitis is inflammation of the small breathing tubes of the lung.
symptoms
If your child gets RSV, common symptoms can include:
Runny nose, sneezing
Decreased appetite (difficulty feeding in babies due to breathlessness)
Coughing and wheezing
Fever
In young babies, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breating difficulties.
Symptoms are usually worse between day 3 and 5. Unfortunately the cough can be persistent for up to 3 weeks so be prepared!
how common?
Almost ALL children will have had an rSV infection by their second birthday, but immunity is not complete and reinfection is common.
Most RSV infections go away on their own in a week or two (on average 10 days) but those weeks can be tough on child AND parents, so let’s chat things we can do to support (antibiotics should not be offered for RSV, unless there are bacterial complications).
natural support
REST! Plenty of sleep. Breastfeed, drink diluted juice and broths, or popsicles for older child.
Hydrate: Continue to breast or bottle feed, but SMALL and OFTEN. For older children, 50% diluted apple juice, popsicles, soup/broth, and foods like watermelon and cucumbers are also great sources of hydration.
Elevate the head of the bed: I use a towel UNDER the cot mattress, it only needs to be 15-20 degrees.
Use supportive fever cares: Homeopathy, oil rollers, wet sock method - details below and in my fever blog.
Clear up congestion: If your little one can’t (or won’t) blow their nose, put a drop of nasal saline in each nostril. Use a suction device like a bulb syringe to pull out the discharge. Helpful BEFORE feeds with infants.
Let honey help: If your child is >1yo, give honey to help relieve cough. Popular over-the-counter cough medications are not recommended and come with side effects. Use a diffuser or humidifier in your child’s room to help loosen mucus in the airway and relieve cough and congestion. Add Easy Air essential oil blend for >6 months olds and Frankincense, Copaiba and Lime for <6 month olds.
supportive fever cares
Cooling essential oil roller: I use doTERRA therapeutic pharmaceutical oils only (with kids especially) and use Lavender and Peppermint in a 10ml roller. Reply back for dilution assistance.
Homeopathics: Belladona or Aconite
A 15 minute bath in lukewarm water may help.
Wet sock method: Place wet cotton socks on child then wool socks on top, leave overnight.
when to seek medical advice
If your baby/child:
is <3 months old
is breathing fast, has noisy breathing and is using extra effort to breathe such as nostril flaring, grunting on exhale, retractions (where the chest pulls in with each breath, especially around the collarbone and ribs)
looks pale and unwell
is taking less than half their normal feeds
is vomiting
has NOT had a wet nappy for >6 hours. For older children, keep track of their output and look for signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes, dry lips/mouth, extreme fussiness or drowsiness.
when to seek medical advice
You should see a doctor if you are worried about your baby or young child!
Trust your instincts Mama! You know your child best.
Use Healthline 0900611116 to chat to a qualified nurse 24 hours a day and get advice over the phone.
