Complications of RSV infection
Complications of RSV infection
Most frequent complications
Lower respiratory system 
infections, which affect the bronchial tubes and lungs, sometimes follow infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The most common types of these infections include:
- Bronchiolitis, which is an inflammation of the small air passages (bronchioles) that usually affects children younger than 2. It is the leading cause of serious lower respiratory illness in infants.
- Pneumonia, which can make it hard to breathe and to get enough oxygen into the bloodstream because of inflammation in the lungs.
Other complications
Other health problems can also develop as a complication of RSV infection. These include:
- Ear infections (otitis media), because RSV commonly infects the middle ear .1
- Asthma that gets worse when a child has an RSV infection.1
- Dehydration, which can affect anyone who is too ill to absorb enough liquids.
- Collapsed lung (atelectasis), a rare condition that can arise from blocked small air passages in the lung.
- Sudden heart failure, which can result from troubled breathing. This complication is most common in older adults who have heart problems or other lung problems.
References
Citations
Levin MJ, Weinberg A (2007). Respiratory syncytial virus disease section of Viral infections. In WW Hay Jr et al., eds., Current Pediatric Diagnosis and Treatment, 18th ed., chap. 36, pp. 1106–1108. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Credits
| Author | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease |
| Last Updated | July 16, 2008 |
| Last updated: | July 16, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
