Warning Signs Of Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Issues With Breathing

As a respiratory virus, this condition causes a number of issues with breathing. For some patients, breathing issues may be as mild as a slight cough or congestion. Other patients may have more severe symptoms, including wheezing and shortness of breath, and they may breathe too quickly. In addition to these issues, infants may also develop bronchiolitis, an inflammation in the airways of the lungs. Older children and adults are more likely to develop pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs themselves. Issues with breathing can lead to fatigue and reduced oxygen saturation. This can cause the skin to have a bluish tinge, which may be especially noticeable around the lips and underneath the fingernails. This blue color is a sign of insufficient oxygen, and it can be quite frightening for patients and their families. To reduce the risk of complications, patients experiencing issues with breathing should contact their healthcare provider or go to an urgent care facility for a prompt diagnosis. Depending on the exact type of breathing problem a patient is experiencing, breathing treatments, supplemental oxygen therapy, and ventilation may be offered.