Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory pathogen, particularly during fall and winter. Laryngitis involves inflammation of the voice box, or larynx. RSV infection can lead to laryngitis, and understanding this connection is important for recognizing symptoms and managing care.
How RSV Can Lead to Laryngitis
Respiratory Syncytial Virus primarily targets cells lining the airways, causing inflammation throughout the respiratory tract. While known for lower respiratory infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in infants, RSV can also affect the upper respiratory tract, including the larynx. The virus’s ability to infect and inflame these cells leads to swelling and irritation of the vocal cords, contributing to laryngitis symptoms.
Inflammation, particularly in the larynx and trachea, can narrow airways, impacting breathing and voice production. Children, especially those under two, have smaller airways, making them more susceptible to noticeable symptoms. Thus, RSV’s effect on the upper airways can manifest as laryngitis.
Identifying Symptoms of RSV-Related Laryngitis
When RSV causes laryngitis, specific symptoms emerge. A hallmark sign is a characteristic “croupy” cough, often described as sounding like a seal’s bark. This distinctive cough results from inflamed and narrowed airways around the vocal cords. Individuals may also experience hoarseness, a weak voice, or temporary voice loss.
Noisy breathing, known as stridor, is another indicator, presenting as a high-pitched sound primarily when inhaling. This sound occurs due to turbulent airflow through the constricted upper airway. In infants and young children, these symptoms might be accompanied by general RSV signs such as a runny nose, congestion, fever, and decreased appetite.
Seeking Care and Management
Recognizing when to seek medical attention for suspected RSV-related laryngitis is important, particularly for vulnerable individuals like infants. If a child experiences difficulty breathing, a high fever, or a bluish tint to the skin, immediate medical care is necessary. For very young infants (under six months), symptoms might be subtle, including irritability, decreased activity, or pauses in breathing, requiring prompt evaluation.
While no specific antiviral treatment is routinely recommended for RSV, management focuses on supportive care to alleviate symptoms. Home care strategies include ensuring adequate hydration and using a cool-mist humidifier to ease congestion and coughing. Over-the-counter fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help manage fever and discomfort, but aspirin should not be given to children.
Strategies for Preventing RSV
Preventing RSV infection involves measures to reduce exposure and transmission. Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is effective. Avoiding close contact with sick individuals, especially those with cold-like symptoms, also helps limit spread.
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, toys, and countertops, helps eliminate the virus, as RSV can survive for several hours. Staying home when ill prevents further transmission. For eligible populations, including infants, pregnant individuals, and older adults, specific immunizations and preventive antibodies are available to protect against severe RSV disease.