Hi Moms, I recently posted about using the nebulizer for my daughter who has RSV and i want to thank you all for the great support. I am writing now to say that it's been over a week and although my baby seems slightly better she isn't getting well as fast as I'd hoped she would. The virus apparently never settled in her chest so we've only had to do neb treatments twice per day for 5 days and now once per day for 3 days. She is still coughing and has a constant runny and stuffy nose. When will I start seeing signs that she is better? Is it possible that she could relapse? My sitter showed up today with a little cold so now I am worried she will be re-infected. Am I worrying needlessly? I am a first time mom and it kills me to see her so uncomfortable - plus her ped usually laughs at me like I am over-reacting half the time so I don't know if my concern is warranted. Any advice? I know RSV can get serious so I am very concerned. Thanks in advance for your advice!
Please make sure you are keeping her as upright as possible. Cough is a good sign. Runny nose and stuffiness can last up to several weeks. Use a bulb syringe and a humidifier in her room at night.
If she is feeding well and doesn't spike a fever, I'd say give her more time. Keep her upright as much as possible and hold her when you feed. Good luck.
I don't know much about RSV, but my little one was diagnosed with asthma at 9 months (super early I know, but they ruled out everything else) and we delt with the nebulizer for months before finally switching to an inhalor (thank GOD she does this well because we all hated the nebulizer!) My daughter dr. said not to use a humidifier at all, check with your doc first. I don't remember the exact reason, but they said the fact that we had been using it could have made breathing more difficult for our daughter instead of better.
Usually RSV is only dangerous to newborns and very young infants. The older kids bodies treat it just like any other virus. It is obviously not something to ignore but it is not so dangerous at your daughters age. So don't worry so much about the seriousness, normal virus treatment is good treatment. It sounds like you are doing a good job!
If the people in the home don't talk to her directly in the face, give kisses on the back of the head or top of the head it should be okay. My friend in BIllings MT had a little one with a virus and the other kids got sick and that is what the doc told her to have the family member do.
If you feel there isn't significant improvement, then call your pediatrician and ask for a follow up appt. I don't mess around when it comes to breathing issues b/c they can take a turn for the worst FAST. Doesn't hurt to go in for a follow up and have the doc listen and look and tell you what to do...mabye you need to up the nebulizer treatments some and sometimes you can't hear deep wheezing where they can. If you feel your pediatrican doesn't respect your even if you are over reacting, then you may need a new pediatrician or you need to just be confident and stand up to yours. The coughing could be from post nasal drip...
